Thunder complete series sweep of Beal-less Wizards, 127-110

“We had been good tonight … from begin to end,” Gilgeous-Alexander mentioned. “They’re a great basketball workforce. They’d received 4 of their final six (video games). We had been good on each ends of the ground for an extended time period tonight.”

Kyle Kuzma scored 23 factors, Daniel Gafford had 15 factors and 9 rebounds and Kristaps Porzingis added 14 factors and 10 rebounds to guide the Wizards, who had been taking part in with out their prime scorer, Bradley Beal. Beal was identified Thursday with a low-grade left hamstring pressure and received’t be re-evaluated for no less than every week.

Oklahoma Metropolis wanted a last-second basket from Gilgeous-Alexander to win 121-120 at Washington on Nov. 16, however the Thunder principally cruised within the rematch, main by as many as 27 factors. Oklahoma Metropolis dedicated solely six turnovers whereas the Wizards had 20.

“Normally, that first quarter, moreso first half, I don’t assume we had the precise mindset,” Washington coach Wes Unseld Jr. mentioned. “We regarded slightly sluggish. You may argue (it was) an extended journey, this, that and the opposite, however no excuse. We’ve bought to do higher to start out with power and our strategy. They type of outplayed us in numerous areas within the first half.”

A 14-2 run early within the first quarter put Oklahoma Metropolis forward 21-9 and the Thunder’s lead by no means fell under double digits the remainder of the sport. Oklahoma Metropolis scored the ultimate eight factors of the primary half to take a 68-42 lead. That was the Thunder’s largest halftime lead of the season.

“I feel we defended very well,” Giddey mentioned. “It was a collective effort. We bought out in transition. We ran and we made them name a bunch of timeouts. We constructed numerous momentum by means of the primary and we carried it by means of, for essentially the most half, for 48 minutes.”

Regardless of a 38-point third quarter for the Wizards, they got here no nearer than 18 factors. That’s in good half as a result of additionally they allowed the Thunder 35 factors within the interval.

Washington pulled inside 14 factors at 117-103 with 4:55 left on a basket by Gafford, however rookie Jalen Williams hit a pair of free throws and Gilgeous-Alexander adopted with a basket with 3:49 left, ending the risk. Washington made 7 of 24 3-point makes an attempt (29.2%).

Oklahoma Metropolis coach Mark Daigneault, on his workforce’s quick begin: “We had been in a pleasant groove offensively to start out, that’s for certain. I believed we got here out with nice intention from a physicality standpoint. We had our chests on them early. … We didn’t ease into it in any respect. … We’re slightly bit smaller proper now and it’s actually forcing us to be tremendous bodily.”

Wizards: Beal has missed 16 of Washington’s 40 video games this season resulting from numerous illnesses. … Washington posted its lowest first-half-point complete of the season with 42. … Ahead Taj Gibson was obtainable to play regardless of left groin soreness, however didn’t see motion. … The Wizards had received 4 of the final 5 and 6 of the final eight video games in opposition to the Thunder earlier than Friday.

Thunder: Williams simply missed a double-double with 18 factors and 9 rebounds. … Luguentz Dort overcame foul hassle and scored 18 factors. … Washington’s 17 factors had been the fewest first-quarter factors allowed by the Thunder this season. … Relationship to final season, Gilgeous-Alexander has recorded 32 30-point performances over his final 47 video games performed.

Wizards: Host the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday.

Thunder: Host the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday.

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