Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a stellar 37-point performance, and the Oklahoma City Thunder’s bench added 40 points to secure a 130-109 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Monday night.
The win handed the Kings their fourth straight loss and showcased the Thunder’s depth as they embarked on a tough road trip.
Jalen Williams contributed 28 points, while Isaiah Hartenstein marked his return from injury with 17 points for Oklahoma City.
DeMar DeRozan led the Kings with 30 points, including 19 in the first half, but Sacramento’s bench production and 3-point shooting (just 25%) fell far short of matching the Thunder’s firepower.
Thunder Dominate the Second Half
The game remained competitive in the first half, with 15 lead changes and Oklahoma City holding a slim one-point advantage at halftime. However, the Thunder pulled away in the second half, capitalizing on Sacramento’s foul trouble and defensive lapses.
Hartenstein’s return bolstered the Thunder’s defense, while their bench outscored Sacramento’s reserves by a wide margin, highlighting the depth that could prove pivotal in their challenging road stretch.
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Kings’ Struggles Continue
Despite a strong first half that pleased head coach Mike Brown, the Kings faded in the third quarter. Key players like De’Aaron Fox struggled; Fox scored only 14 points, well below his season average of 28.9 points per game, and picked up a technical foul in the fourth quarter.
The Kings’ inability to sustain their energy, combined with poor shooting and costly fouls, allowed Oklahoma City to dominate the second half and seal the win.
Key Moments
- The third quarter saw both teams in foul trouble, but the Kings were hit harder. A gash over Isaiah Hartenstein’s eye caused by Domantas Sabonis was ruled against Sacramento after a replay review, and back-to-back fouls by Malik Monk helped the Thunder build momentum.
- Oklahoma City pulled away decisively in the fourth quarter, as Sacramento’s offense stalled and their defense faltered.
Key Stat
Oklahoma City’s bench scored 40 points compared to just 20 from Sacramento’s reserves, showcasing the Thunder’s depth advantage.
What’s Next?
Thunder: Oklahoma City (12-6) continues their challenging five-game road trip with a matchup against the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday night.
Kings: Sacramento (9-10) will look to snap their losing streak when they visit the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday.
The Thunder’s convincing win demonstrates their ability to perform under pressure on the road, while the Kings face mounting concerns as their early-season struggles continue.