The Oklahoma City Thunder (6-0) maintained their perfect start, breaking the game wide open with an explosive 18-2 run in the fourth quarter to secure a 127-108 victory over the Washington Wizards (1-4) on October 31.
BEST PLAYER OF THE GAME:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander OKC PG 31 PTS | 7 AST | 1 BLK | 48.1 FPS
SGA had a solid outing from three but his free-throw production has been on a noticeable decline, making just 14 in his last four games after converting 33 in his first two. Still, he notched his fifth 30-point performance of the season and led all players in assists.
BREAKOUT PERFORMANCE:
Bilal Coulibaly WAS SF 16 PTS | 8 REB | 3 BLK | 40.6 FPS
Coulibaly made his debut today after recovering from a thumb surgery in the offseason. Last season, he shined in a lot of areas, averaging 12 points, 5 rebounds and 2 stocks per game.
SCORING MACHINES:
Ajay Mitchell OKC SG 20 PTS | 2-7 3PT | 6-6 FT | 30.2 FPS
Mitchell had a tough time in scoring but his breakout season continues, now averaging 18.5 points and 1.3 steals while also staying flawless at the line, going 19-for-19.
CJ McCollum WAS PG 19 PTS | 6-10 FG | 5-8 3PT | 21.9 FPS
McCollum was a non-factor in other areas but he stood out on offense, scoring at least 19 points for the second time this season. Over his last three seasons with the Pelicans, he’s averaged 20 points and three triples while shooting 43% or better from the field.
STAT SPECIALIST:
Alex Sarr WAS C 14 PTS | 8 REB | 2 BLK | 31.6 FPS
Sarr finished with his fifth-straight game scoring in double-digits and his fourth-straight with at least 3 stocks.
DEFENSIVE STANDOUT:
Cason Wallace OKC SG 5 REB | 4 STL | 2 BLK | 40.5 FPS
Wallace’s production on offense remains limited but he makes up for it in defense, averaging 2.6 steals while also putting up solid numbers in other categories.
The SHARPSHOOTER:
Isaiah Joe OKC SG 20 PTS | 7-12 FG | 5-9 3PT | 31.7 FPS
Joe missed the team’s first five games with a knee injury but made an immediate impact on offense. Last season, he hit at least three three-pointers in 33 games.
THE X-FACTOR:
Isaiah Hartenstein OKC C 17 PTS | 8 REB | 5 AST | 37.1 FPS
Hartenstein stepped up offensively, recording his third game with at least 14 points and his second with 5 assists this season. He also remained steady on the boards, marking his sixth straight game with 8 rebounds.
PLAYER TO WATCH:
Kyshawn George WAS SG 12 PTS | 7 REB | 6 AST | 27.4 FPS
George was quiet on offense today after scoring 20 points in three of his first four games this season. Still, he remained productive in three-point shooting while contributing solid numbers in rebounding and playmaking.
BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT OF THE GAME:
Lu Dort OKC SF 7 PTS | 1-5 3PT | 6 REB
Dort’s shooting slump continued, converting just 15-for-50 from the field and an even worse 6-for-33 from three so far this season.
