Game 59 Recap: Thunder (37-22) def. Kings (24-34) 112-108

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“The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.”

According to Albert Einstein, or whoever said this, if you have watched the Thunder get down by double digits to lesser foes over and over again this season and actually expect them to lose in those situations, then you are out of your mind.

Latest case in point: the visiting Sacramento Kings sans De’Aaron Fox extending a 2 point lead at the end of the first quarter into an 11 point lead at halftime. Some wackos started coming out of the woodworks, claiming this was the game the Thunder were destined for doom.

And when that deficit ballooned to 19 points in the middle of the third quarter? Lots more loonies sat atop their soapboxes preaching the false prophecy of OKC’s impending demise.

For those Thunder fans who have their heads screwed on straight, it was clear based on past experience and the team talent disparity that an OKC run was inevitable. The only question was, how close could the Thunder get the score by the time the final period started? Single digits, possibly? How about one single digit?

OKC ended the third quarter on an epic 22-4 run that turned a stout 19 point Kings lead into a flimsy 1 point advantage going into the final period.

Oh yes, the fourth quarter. Otherwise known as Chris Paul O’clock.

As he has all season, CP3 controlled the game once the hour struck clutch time. Paul scored 9 of his 17 points in the fourth quarter, including 7 in the final 3:32 of the game. Danilo Gallinari was his crunch time partner, knocking down 7 points in the final 5 minutes. Sprinkle in a sensational Shai shot and an Adams dunk and you’ve got yourself another ho-hum, nearly 20 point comeback.

Buzzer sounds, streamers fall from the rafters of The Peake, Dennis Schroder prepares to troll a post game player of the game interview, aaaaand… scene.

Rinse and repeat.

If you didn’t know how this story was going to end, you haven’t been paying attention to this Thunder team.

Or you’re certifiable.

Notes:

• The Thunder are now in sole possession of the 5 seed in the Western Conference.
• The Thunder have won games 5 in a row.
• Alex Len clotheslined Nerlens Noel as the 1st quarter buzzer sounded.  No call, which is typical in that situation. But remember that time Terrance Ferguson got called for a charge on a half court shot at the 1st quarter buzzer?
• Buddy Hield is pretty good. For a bench player.
• OKC was down 11 at the half. And I think most every Thunder fan still felt like they were going to win. We’re spoiled.
• Whenever OKC has a big deficit, they usually go to the Chris Paul shoots a bunch of midrange jumpers well. And he almost always delivers.
• Kings got up by 19 and looked to have full control of the game.  Thunder respond with a 22-4 run to get within 1. Loud City losing their minds. So just a typical Thursday night at The Peake.
• If there was a statistic for impossible shots made, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander would be leading the league.
• Loud City was just 75% full tonight, but still lived up to their name throughout the Thunder comeback. Nice having such a… homeDort advantage.
• Find someone who loves you the way Chris Paul loves clutch time.
• It’s nuts we’ve just come to expect 19 point comebacks from this Thunder team.  Even more nuts they keep living up to that expectation.
• Billy Donovan on Chris Paul’s finger: “He’s fine.”
• Danilo Gallinari’s points per game on the season: 19.2 Danilo Gallinari since appearing on the Daily Thunder Podcast: 24.0 ppg + 1.0 times calling himself a freak of nature.
• OKC’s 59th game last season: a home game vs the Kings. The Thunder lost, bringing their record to 38-21. Subtract arguably their 3 best players & fast forward 1 year. OKC’s 59th game this season: a home game vs the Kings. The Thunder win, bringing their record to 37-22. (Thanks ThunderChick for this factoid!)
• Up next: at Milwaukee on Friday night. Join us at Anthem Brewery for the first Daily Thunder watch party of the year!