Thunder dominate Hawks as Gilgeous-Alexander scores 35 in Oklahoma City
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Oklahoma City Thunder with 35 points, 11 rebounds, and nine assists.
- The Thunder showed strong performance in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Hawks 39-18 to secure a 128-104 victory.
- This win keeps Oklahoma City unbeaten in the season while the Hawks' struggles continue, particularly in supporting Trae Young.
On Sunday, October 27, 2024, Oklahoma City hosted the Atlanta Hawks in an NBA matchup where both teams entered the game with strong season starts. The Thunder, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, showcased their offensive prowess with a dominant performance in the fourth quarter. Gilgeous-Alexander contributed significantly with 35 points, falling just short of a triple-double, while his teammates Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams also provided essential scoring support. The game was initially competitive, with the Hawks holding a slight lead late in the second quarter. However, the Thunder's defensive strategy and successful inside scoring allowed them to rally and turn the game around. Oklahoma City's late-game surge included a critical 13-0 run that secured their lead and ultimately dictated the final outcome. Atlanta's star player Trae Young struggled against Oklahoma City's defensive pressure, recording 24 points, but received little help from his supporting cast. Garrison Mathews was the only other Hawk to score in double digits, highlighting the team's reliance on Young for scoring. As a result of this loss, the Hawks now face challenges in finding offensive rhythm as they prepare to host Washington on Monday. Meanwhile, the Thunder will aim to continue their winning streak against San Antonio on Wednesday, demonstrating promise and resilience early in the season.