The New York Knicks walked into Paycom Center on a hot streak, riding high on nine consecutive wins. But the Oklahoma City Thunder, in the middle of a dominant run of their own, had no plans to let that streak hit double digits. In a thrilling showdown on January 3, 2025, the Thunder stormed back in the second half to claim a 117-107 victory, extending their own winning streak to 14 games.
In The News
First Half: Knicks Come Out Swinging
From the opening tip-off, the Knicks looked locked in. Jalen Brunson, making his return after dealing with calf soreness, wasted no time making an impact. He ran the offense smoothly, attacking the paint, knocking down mid-range jumpers, and setting up teammates for open looks.
With RJ Barrett providing additional scoring and the Knicks’ defense making things tough for the Thunder’s shooters, New York controlled the tempo early. By halftime, they had built a 66-54 lead, fueled by efficient ball movement and strong perimeter shooting.
The Thunder, however, had been in this situation before. A 12-point deficit was nothing new for them, and they had the firepower to turn things around.
Second Half: Thunder Flip the Script
Oklahoma City came out of the locker room with renewed energy, led by their superstar, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The All-Star guard showcased his full offensive arsenal—driving to the rim, hitting step-back jumpers, and drawing fouls to get to the line.
On the defensive end, the Thunder tightened up, forcing the Knicks into tough shots and cutting off passing lanes. Slowly but surely, they chipped away at the lead.
By the end of the third quarter, the Knicks were clinging to a slim 88-80 advantage, but the momentum had completely shifted.
Knicks vs Thunder Fourth Quarter: The Thunder Take Over
The final quarter was all Oklahoma City. The Thunder outscored the Knicks 37-19 in the fourth, completely flipping the game on its head. The Knicks struggled with turnovers, missed shots, and fatigue, while OKC took full advantage.
Aaron Wiggins, coming off the bench, played a massive role in sealing the win. His energy on both ends of the floor was infectious, and his 19-point contribution proved to be a game-changer.
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When the final buzzer sounded, the scoreboard told the full story—117-107, with the Thunder proving once again why they’re one of the best teams in the league right now.
Key Performances
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder): 33 points, 7 assists, and a masterful performance down the stretch.
- Aaron Wiggins (Thunder): 19 points off the bench, providing a crucial spark.
- Jalen Brunson (Knicks): 22 points and 9 assists, leading New York’s offense despite the loss.
- RJ Barrett (Knicks): 18 points, showing flashes of brilliance but struggling in the second half.
What This Means for the Knicks
This loss is a tough pill to swallow for the Knicks, but it’s not a reason to panic. Oklahoma City is a powerhouse team this season, and losing on the road against them isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a test that will help New York grow.
However, the Knicks will need to make some adjustments moving forward. Their bench production was lacking, and their defense in the fourth quarter collapsed. If they want to be serious contenders, they have to learn how to close out tough games against elite competition.
What Is Next
The Knicks won’t have to wait long for a rematch. They’ll get another shot at the Thunder next Friday, this time at Madison Square Garden. Expect them to come in with a renewed sense of urgency, looking to avenge this loss and protect their home court.
For Oklahoma City, this win only strengthens their case as a legitimate contender. They’re playing some of the best basketball in the league, and with Gilgeous-Alexander leading the way, they look poised for a deep playoff run.
Final Thoughts
The Knicks fought hard, but the Thunder simply executed better when it mattered most. While this loss stings, it’s an opportunity for growth. The season is long, and every game is a lesson.
New York has the talent, the grit, and the coaching to bounce back. Now, it’s about putting it all together and proving they can beat the best when it counts.
