NBA DAILY RECAP: Thunder bounce back, thrash Kings

Sports

THE Oklahoma City Thunder bounced back big time following a sorry loss, dominating the Sacramento Kings, 132-101, for their first win in the NBA Cup on Saturday (Philippine time), Nov. 8.

After seeing their unbeaten start ended by the Portland Trail Blazers via a tight 119-121 decision, the Thunder were quick to regroup as they seized control in the second quarter after falling behind, 30-32, after the first quarter of play.

The Thunder outscored the Kings in the second period, 40-24, to lead big at the half, 70-56.

Isaiah Hartenstein was Oklahoma’s surprise package as the seven-foot center scored a career-high 33 points and grabbed 19 rebounds to help the Thunder improve to 9-1 (win-loss).

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scattered 30 points, Cason Wallace added 15 points and Isaiah Joe had 13 as the Thunder pummeled the Kings in the paint, 60-34.

Sacramento had no answer to Oklahoma’s inside scoring as Domantas Sabonis missed his second consecutive game due to sore ribs.

Former Thunder Sacramento’s Russell Westbrook topped the Kings with 24 points and nine rebounds but he had seven turnovers.

Sacramento dropped to 3-5.

In other games, Denver defeated Golden State, 129-104, Miami nipped Charlotte, 126-108, Milwaukee downed Chicago, 126-110, Minnesota demolisjed Utah, 137-97, Memphis tripped Dallas, 118-104, Toronto spanked Atlanta, 109-97, Detroit pummeled Brooklyn, 125-107, San Antonio shot down Houston, 121-110, Orlando dispatched Boston, 123-110, and Cleveland blew out Washington, 148-114.(CCM)