Thunder Vs Pistons: thunder vs pistons recap as top 6 scorers sit out

thunder vs pistons featured a heavily depleted Oklahoma City team and a Detroit side that rallied behind Jalen Duren and a second-quarter surge from Ausar Thompson. The Thunder had six players listed out, and Detroit closed the half and held off a late Oklahoma City run to secure the win.

Thunder roster absences listed

Oklahoma City entered the game missing a majority of its rotation: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Willians, Isaiah Hartenstein, Chet Holmgren, Alex Caruso, and Ajay Mitchell were all reported as out. Despite those absences, the Thunder held a 17-16 lead halfway through the first quarter and saw seven different Thunder players score in the opening period.

Early Thunder run and scoring

The Thunder closed the first quarter on a 15-2 run and led 34-22. With many regulars off the floor, second- and third-string players stepped up early for Oklahoma City, keeping the game competitive while Detroit searched for defensive consistency.

Duren’s early impact inside

Detroit’s offense leaned on Jalen Duren when it found traction. Without both of the OKC big men, Jaylin Williams was the lone man left to handle JD. Early in the game Duren led the team in field goal attempts and recorded eight points and three rebounds. Later, he would push that production further.

Second-quarter spark and RoHo rebounds

The Pistons said they needed a spark in the second and found it from their 9-to-5 crew. Ron Holland provided the expected defense, and his offensive rebounding alongside Paul Reed created extra possessions that helped Detroit claw back. There was a sequence where Holland and Reed had three straight offensive boards over the Thunder team and RoHo was able to get the layup to go. It hasn’t looked pretty from three recently for Ron, but his effort remained evident.

Ausar Thompson’s burst after substitution

Ausar Thompson had a standout second quarter after coming in for Caris LeVert following LeVert’s third foul. He instantly impacted both ends of the floor with a sequence that began with a block pinned against the backboard and finished with a transition alley-oop to Jalen Duren. Despite Oklahoma City not respecting his deep jumper — at times guarding him from the block or the free throw line — Ausar attacked, kicked to find teammates for open threes, and displayed patience to get to the right elbow for a jumper, a spot where he is more comfortable.

Halftime lead and Duren’s numbers

Between Ausar Thompson and the offensive work of Ron Holland and Paul Reed, and with Duren continuing to feast inside, Detroit reclaimed the lead late in the second. The Pistons ended the half on a 10-2 run and took a 58-52 advantage. Duren led the way at the break with 18 points and seven rebounds as Oklahoma City appeared to lack an answer for him down low.

Third-quarter control and lineup notes

Detroit extended its lead in the third. They forced an Oklahoma City timeout after Cade executed a chase-down block, and a transition bucket from Duncan Robinson pushed the Pistons to a double-digit lead. Newly acquired Kevin Huerter received some minutes before the end of the quarter. With a 94-80 lead heading into the final frame, Detroit looked well positioned in what the coverage called the Battle of the #1 Seeds.

Oklahoma City’s zone, Jaylin’s barrage

Oklahoma City played a lot of zone defense late, but Cade did a good job of picking it apart. The Pistons continued to rely on scoring from inside while the Thunder looked to score from deep. Jaylin Williams took many of those attempts, launching 10 threes and finishing with a career-high 30 points. The Thunder as a team shot 18-for-49 from deep; Detroit’s season-high in attempts is 43.

Late Thunder rally and final sequence

Those OKC threes landed in the fourth quarter and sparked life for Oklahoma City: an 11-2 run made it a five-point game with 5: 30 remaining. Guards Aaron Wiggins, Cason Wallace, and Jarden McCain each contributed with at least 20 points. Every time the Thunder made it close, Cade carved up the Oklahoma City defense to keep the game just out of reach.

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