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In a mesmerizing display of offensive prowess, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren led the Oklahoma City Thunder to a resounding 126-107 triumph over the Houston Rockets on Friday night. The Thunder, fresh from their first loss of the season against Denver, inaugurated their six-game homestand with a bang.

Gilgeous-Alexander and Holmgren: The Thunder’s Driving Forces

Gilgeous-Alexander, putting on a shooting clinic, sank 10 of his initial 11 field goals, only attempting his first three-pointer on his 13th shot. With nothing but net, the Thunder were propelled into a commanding 96-73 lead during the third quarter. Meanwhile, the towering Holmgren recorded 8 of 14 field goals, including four 3-pointers, further solidifying the Thunder’s (8-1) position. Following a first quarter stalemate at 31-all, the Thunder took control and never looked back.

Thunder’s Offensive Surge and Defensive Dominance

Despite previous inconsistencies on offense, the Thunder seemed to have turned the corner. They boasted a 51.1% field goal percentage and converted 20 of 23 free throws. Conversely, Dillon Brooks, with 17 points, was the leading contributor for the Rockets (5-4), who managed just a 43.3% field goal percentage.

The Rockets had to grapple with the Thunder’s formidable defense, best in the league by rating. The Thunder contained Houston’s top scorers, Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun, to 14 and 11 points respectively. Oklahoma City’s depth and versatility, especially Holmgren’s impactful play on both ends, were a constant thorn in the Rockets’ side. The 7-footer racked up three blocks and routinely disrupted Houston’s attempts near the rim.

Game-Changing Moment

The game’s tide turned early in the second quarter. With the score level at 31, Aaron Wiggins of the Thunder hit a 3-pointer. This ignited a scoring spree for the Thunder, outscoring the Rockets 41-20 for the remainder of the quarter. This surge resulted in a 75-51 halftime lead for the Thunder, setting a season-high point total for a half.

Key Statistics

The Thunder demonstrated a stellar shooting performance in the first half, recording 61.9% from the field and 52.9% from beyond the arc.

What’s Next?

The Rockets will hope to rebound from this loss as they visit Detroit on Sunday. Meanwhile, the Thunder will look to keep their momentum going as they host the Golden State Warriors on Sunday night.

Anthony Caldwell is a sports writer known for his bold opinions and sharp commentary. With a strong focus on basketball and boxing, Anthony’s articles are as much about the personalities as they are about the stats. His ability to connect with athletes and tell their stories has made him a standout at 21Sports.com. Outside of writing, Anthony is a fitness enthusiast who enjoys training in various martial arts disciplines.