Thunder Strike Back: Oklahoma City’s Fourth-Quarter Explosion Stuns Nets in 129-121 Victory
Oklahoma City Thunder fans can breathe a sigh of relief. Just two nights after a stunning collapse against the Minnesota Timberwolves, OKC bounced back in style with a thrilling fourth-quarter surge to defeat the Brooklyn Nets 129-121 on Wednesday night. The game had all the makings of a redemption story, and the Thunder delivered in emphatic fashion.
From Collapse to Comeback: A Tale of Two Games
The Thunder entered the night carrying the weight of their Monday meltdown, where they squandered a 24-point fourth-quarter lead against the Timberwolves, marking one of the worst collapses in recent NBA history. For much of Wednesday’s contest, it looked as if another nightmare was unfolding.
Oklahoma City struggled defensively in the first half, giving up a season-high 76 points and falling behind by 18. The Nets, led by Day’Ron Sharpe’s career-high 25 points, were raining down threes at a record-setting pace, burying OKC under a barrage of long-range bombs. But the second half told a different story.
The Thunderstorm Hits: Fourth-Quarter Domination
Trailing 103-99 entering the final period, the Thunder flipped the script in a way only true contenders can. An electrifying 18-0 run turned a close game into a rout, as Oklahoma City outscored Brooklyn 27-7 to start the fourth. The sequence was ignited by suffocating defense, clutch steals, and relentless attacking. By the time the dust settled, the Thunder had taken a 117-103 lead, leaving the Nets shell-shocked.
Cason Wallace was the catalyst, making back-to-back baskets off his own steals during the crucial stretch. The sequence energized OKC and sent a clear message: Monday’s collapse was an anomaly, not a trend.
Star Performers: Gilgeous-Alexander and Holmgren Lead the Way
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continued his All-NBA-caliber season, pouring in 27 points and serving as the engine behind the Thunder’s offense.
- Chet Holmgren was a force in the paint, delivering a dominant 22-point, 17-rebound double-double.
- Aaron Wiggins stepped up in a big way, dropping a season-high 24 points off the bench.
- Jalen Williams rounded out the offensive explosion with 22 points of his own.
The Nets’ Shooting Frenzy Falls Short
Brooklyn came into the game firing and set a franchise record with 61 three-point attempts, knocking down 23 of them. Killian Hayes and Cam Johnson each added 19 points, but their efforts weren’t enough to withstand the Thunder’s relentless comeback.
Key Takeaways: Thunder Prove Their Mettle
- Championship DNA? – The best teams respond to adversity, and OKC proved that Monday’s collapse wouldn’t define them.
- Wallace’s Defensive Impact – The rookie guard’s two game-changing steals in the fourth-quarter run were crucial to the turnaround.
- Holmgren’s Growth – The young big man continues to prove he’s more than just a shot-blocker; he’s a legitimate two-way star.
What’s Next?
The Thunder will travel to Atlanta on Friday night to face the Hawks, aiming to build on this momentum. Meanwhile, the Nets will host the Portland Trail Blazers, looking to regroup after letting this one slip away.
Final Word: A Statement Victory
After an embarrassing loss on Monday, the Thunder delivered a loud and clear message—they’re still one of the most dangerous teams in the Western Conference. With a mix of elite talent, resilience, and an unwavering fighting spirit, Oklahoma City’s best basketball may still be ahead of them. And if this fourth-quarter explosion was any indication, the rest of the NBA should take notice.
