ATLANTA — The Oklahoma City Thunder showed why they’re defending NBA champions.
Chet Holmgren exploded for 31 points while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 30, leading the Thunder to a commanding 117-100 victory over the injury-riddled Atlanta Hawks on Saturday night. The crowd at State Farm Arena watched Oklahoma City pull away in the second half, improving their record to a perfect 3-0.
This wasn’t close for long.
The Thunder, who won seven straight to start last season on their championship run, are making another statement early. Gilgeous-Alexander, last year’s MVP, continues his scorching pace just two days after dropping a career-high 55 points against Indiana.
“The difference was the third quarter,” one courtside observer noted as Oklahoma City broke open a tight game.
Holmgren was unstoppable from deep, hitting 6 of 8 three-pointers while grabbing 12 rebounds. Gilgeous-Alexander was surgical inside the arc, making 10 of 11 shots. When both stars find their rhythm like this, the Thunder become nearly impossible to stop.
Atlanta never had a chance with three starters sidelined. Kristaps Porzingis battled flu-like symptoms. Zaccharie Risacher nursed a right ankle sprain. Jalen Johnson joined them after spraining his ankle the previous night in Orlando.
The Hawks hung tough through the first half, trailing just 60-55. Then the Thunder dropped the hammer.
Gilgeous-Alexander buried a pull-up jumper and converted a three-point play. Holmgren splashed a three-pointer. Just like that, an eight-point run and the game was over.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker led Atlanta with 17 points, but the depleted Hawks couldn’t match Oklahoma City’s firepower. They’ve now lost both home games by a combined 37 points.
The Thunder head to Dallas on Monday to face the Mavericks. The Hawks travel to Chicago, hoping to get healthy on a four-game road trip.
For Florida basketball fans watching the defending champs, this Thunder team looks ready to make another deep playoff run.