Thunder beat Jazz 133-106 and advance to the NBA Cup quarterfinals
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kenrich Williams (34) prepares to shoot against Utah Jazz forward John Collins, left, during the first half of an Emirates NBA Cup basketball game, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024, in Oklahoma City. Credit: AP/Nate Billings
OKLAHOMA CITY — Jalen Williams scored 28 points, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 26 points, seven assists and six rebounds, and the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Utah Jazz 133-106 on Tuesday night en route to the NBA Cup quarterfinals.
Isaiah Joe had 19 points and fellow reserve Aaron Wiggins finished with 16 as the Thunder closed out West Group B play at 3-1. They won the group when Phoenix beat San Antonio 104-93 later Tuesday.
Alexander, selected as Western Conference player of the month earlier Tuesday, scored 15 points after halftime. Oklahoma City twice led by as many as 30 points in the second half.
Isaiah Hartenstein had four points and five rebounds, his first game without at least 10 points and 10 boards in six games since returning from a fractured hand.
Collin Sexton scored 17 points while Walker Kessler and John Collins added 15 apiece for the Jazz, who fell to 4-17.
Key moment
Utah led 19-10 on a three-point play by Sexton, but the Thunder scored 22 of the next 28 to make it 32-25 after one quarter. Joe had eight points off the bench to spark the run, including two 3-pointers and a soaring left-handed dunk.
Key stat
Utah committed 29 turnovers, including 19 in the first half, compared to eight for Oklahoma City.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Cason Wallace (22) screams as he dunks against Utah Jazz guard Johnny Juzang (33) during the first half of an Emirates NBA Cup basketball game, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024, in Oklahoma City. Credit: AP/Nate Billings
Up next
The Jazz are at Portland on Friday, while the Thunder visit Toronto on Thursday.
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