Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 21 points and Chet Holmgren had 20 when Oklahoma City Thunder returned from the All-Star break with a victory 130-107 over Utah Jazz on Friday in Salt Lake City.
Gilgeous-Alexander also distributed eight of Thunders season’s high 38 assists, with five other players who drew at least four in the team’s eighth victory in nine excursions.
Jalen Williams had a special night, a total of 18 points, nine returns and four assists while playing against younger brother Cody Williams for the first time in his NBA career. Cody Williams, a beginner, missed the team’s first two meetings this season.
John Collins scored a game high 26 points and Keyonte George, who had some nice moments during All-Star Weekend, added 20 points and six assists in Utah’s loss.
Jordan Clarkson contributed 19 points and Walker Kessler drew in 19 returns, but the jazz was still lost for the 14th time in the last 17 matches. Utah has dropped five of the last six.
Jalen Williams, Isaiah Joe, Holmgren and Gilgeous-Alexander played important roles in a second quarter’s increase when Thunder turned a five-point lead into a 25-point advantage before the break.
Utah received within 13 points during the fourth quarter but could not complete the comeback attempt.
The Williams brothers exchanged sweaters after the match.
Jazz -leading goal scores Lauri Markkanen struggled with Thunder’s height, hit only 2 out of 14 shots and ended with five points.
Holmgren opened the game with a 3-pointer and Gilgeous-Alexander met a stepback bracket to set Thunder up 5-0, and Oklahoma City never relinquished the lead the rest of the way.
Thunder took a seven-point edge into the second quarter and then entered 68-47 at half time.
Oklahoma City Rookie Branden Carlson, an Utah native to play for nearby Bingham High School and University of Utah, met a 3-point in front of his fan club in the last minute.
-Field level media
