The Oklahoma City Thunder (55-12) survived a furious fourth-quarter surge from the Detroit Pistons (37-31) and escaped with a controversial 113-107 win on March 16.
Oklahoma City Thunder Top Performers:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 48 PTS | 10-10 FT | 6 AST | 70.8 FPS
SGA continues to perform at an exceptionally high level, recording his third 40-point game and nearly achieving his second 50-point performance this month. His efficiency remains elite, but his free-throw shooting has been particularly outstanding—making 10 or more free throws in four games while averaging an impressive 97% in seven games. Additionally, he continues to fill the stat sheet with elite all-around production. His status for tomorrow’s game remains uncertain, but he is likely to suit up as he aims to strengthen his MVP case.
Isaiah Hartenstein 12 PTS | 10 REB | 3 BLK | 41.5 FPS
Hartenstein got the start today and delivered a solid all-around performance, racking up five stocks after managing just one over his last three games. He also secured his fourth double-digit rebound game this month but struggled from the free-throw line and committed five turnovers. His numbers usually dip when Holmgren is available, but with several players out tomorrow, his role and production should remain significant.
Cason Wallace 20 PTS | 5 REB | 3 STL | 32.0 FPS
Wallace has been highly efficient on offense lately and kept it up today, scoring his first 20-point game of the season. He has thrived in Jalen Williams’ absence, contributing well across the board. While his impact in other areas was a bit muted today, he remained active on defense, continuing to pile up steals.
Jaylin Williams 2 PTS | 8 REB | 2 BLK | 18.1 FPS
Williams struggled offensively but made up for it with his defensive effort. With several players out, he should see more opportunities tomorrow. Though his minutes have been limited this month, he recently recorded a triple-double in 30+ minutes of action.
Lu Dort 7 PTS | 7 REB | 1 BLK | 16.9 FPS
Dort has taken on a larger offensive role in the last two games, delivering solid scoring performances. However, his impact remains more consistent on the defensive end, providing steady rebounding value in six games this month while contributing steals and, more recently, blocks. But he sustained an injury today and will probably be sidelined for tomorrow’s game.
Detroit Pistons Top Performers:
Dennis Schroder 17 PTS | 11 AST | 1 STL | 40.1 FPS
Schroder has seen an increase in minutes lately and has made the most of it, scoring in double digits for the sixth straight game while also making an impact as a playmaker. He took on a much larger role today following Cunningham’s ejection and was a key part of their comeback, delivering his first double-double since joining the team. However, his overall production on a regular basis remains modest to justify a roster spot.
Isaiah Stewart 9 PTS | 2 STL | 3 BLK | 31.4 FPS
Stewart’s minutes remain limited, but he’s still able to produce good rebounding and defensive performances, including two games this month where he racked up strong blocks.
Cade Cunningham 11 PTS | 7 REB | 9 AST | 28.9 FPS
Cunningham’s impact was cut short after he was ejected late in the third quarter. He has been dealing with foul trouble this month but has still managed to score around 30 points in six consecutive outings, nearly reaching 40 points in two of them. However, he has struggled offensively lately, shooting just 5-for-18 from the field today. His three-point shooting has been even worse, going 0-for-11 in his last two games. That said, his ability to rack up numbers in other areas helps offset these struggles, including a recent 20-for-21 performance from the line and six games this month with 9+ assists.
Tobias Harris 18 PTS | 2-3 3PT | 7 REB | 26.4 FPS
Harris may not post flashy numbers, but he’s been a steady contributor at his position, providing solid scoring and rebounding in all six games he’s played this month. He also managed to rack up steals in two outings though he’s been a little inconsistent in that area.
Malik Beasley 15 PTS | 3-7 3PT | 1 STL | 17.0 FPS
Beasley remains a decent scoring option, reaching double-digit points in seven of his last eight games. However, his overall contributions have seen a very noticeable drop this month. Unless you’re in deeper formats, he may not be worth holding onto.
Biggest Disappointment of the Game:
Isaiah Joe 11 PTS | 4-13 FG | 4 REB
Joe’s production comes mostly from his scoring, but he’s been in a slump lately. Still, with a back-to-back coming up tomorrow, he’s likely to see an increased role and a chance to bounce back.
