Thunder roil Lakers despite King James’ record breaker

this season, he is averaging 30.8 points per game with stellar efficiency.

No rookie mistakes here. Both Thunder rookies Jalen Williams (Santa Clara) and Jaylin Williams (Arkansas) have the same name and had great games, shooting a combined 56% from the field with 25 points and 14 points, respectively. The duo filled up the statsheet and have shown massive improvements since the start of the season. Jalen Williams had an incredible six steals against the Lakers, making it look easy with his 7’2 wingspan.

Defense wins championships and this young team wants to prove they will be contending for a title soon enough. The Thunder are among one of the Top 12 teams in defensive rating this season.

Josh Giddey pitched in for 20 points against the Lakers and his playmaking, like usual, was a huge part in the victory. The sophomore Australia native has been a key piece for Oklahoma City as he runs a lot of the offense. Thunder spark plug Isaiah Joe was a major signing for the Thunder earlier in the season because of his great shooting. Isaiah Joe now stands at first place in three-point percentage at 45.8%.

Millions were shocked on Feb. 7 as they watched the Oklahoma City Thunder play their second nationally televised game of the season, upsetting LeBron James’ legendary night.

The up-and-coming Thunder were not the main talking point, despite defeating the Lakers 133-130. A win was needed for the young squad as they lost three out of their last four games before facing LA.

Since the beginning of the season, fans have been watching LeBron slowly catch up to NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s career record of 38,387 points.

History. In the last possession of the third quarter for LA, LeBron got the ball at the highpost, backed down OKC’s Kenrich Williams, took three dribbles towards the freethrow line, pulled up for a fadeaway jumper and … swish.

Like music, the ball going through the net is one of the most satisfying sounds for basketball fans.

LeBron James made his 38,388th point, breaking Kareem’s all-time scoring record 38 years and 308 days after it was set in 1984.

It was business as usual for the Thunder, as they were not intimidated by extensive media coverage, bright lights and the many celebrities who came to watch LeBron break the record.

“We’re a growing team and the bigger the games are, the bigger the circumstances are, the more you have to limit distractions and keep your head down,” said Thunder head coach Mark Daigenault prior to the game, following a loss against the Warriors the day before.

Strong outings from Thunder all-star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander have become the norm this season as he dropped 30 points against the Lakers, along with eight assists. Through 50 games

All of Oklahoma City’s young players show great potential for the future, including Aaron Wiggins, Kenrich Williams, Tre Mann, Eugene Omoruyi, and fan favorite Lindy Waters III from Oklahoma State.

As the Thunder push to try and make a play-in tournament spot for the playoffs, they have already exceeded expectations. Oklahoma City already has more wins now than they did through the entire 82-game span last season. The Thunder currently sit at 26-28, ascendent from last season’s record of 24-58. Getting better dayby-day is the key and it shows in attendance, as Thunder home games are beginning to fill up again. In the last three home games, Thunder attendance has recorded over 16,000 people each, with a capacity over 89% of the Paycom arena.

The Thunder are winning and fans are beginning to notice.