Isaiah Joe continued his impressive shooting run as the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Phoenix Suns 136-109 on Wednesday. Scoring 21 points on 6-for-10 shooting, including six three-pointers, Joe sparked the Thunder’s bench and has hit at least three triples in five of the last six games. His hot shooting streak has become a key factor in the team’s recent success.
In February, Joe is shooting 50% from beyond the arc, averaging 3.5 made threes per game. His outstanding perimeter shooting reflects the Thunder’s effective offensive strategy, which relies on outside shooting during their four wins out of six contests this month.
The connectivity of the team. Everybody’s playing together,
Joe said.
Obviously, shots are going in, but I just think that comes with the style of play. We’re moving the ball. Everybody’s feeling the energy of the game, getting the flow, and it shows out there.
Joe’s 21 points were an essential contribution from a Thunder bench that produced 74 points in total during the victory over the Suns. This bench depth is crucial as the team navigates games without some of its top players.
We have a winning mindset, and we understand that in order to win games with the pieces that we have, we have to play a certain brand of basketball, and that just comes with moving the rock, and everybody getting a feel,
Joe added.
Keeping the ball ahead of the defense is something that we talk about, and we just go out there and execute that to the best of our ability.
Over the last eight games, Joe has made 28 out of 58 three-point attempts, maintaining his sharp form. Meanwhile, All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander missed his fourth straight game due to an abdominal injury, with the Thunder going 2-2 in their last four matches.
Coach Mark Daigneault Praises Jalen Williams’ Perfect Shooting Night
Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault highlighted the notable 28-point contribution from Jalen Williams, who played a perfect shooting game in the 27-point road win against the Suns. Following a recent high school jersey retirement ceremony near Phoenix, Williams scored efficiently, going 11-for-11 from the floor and finishing 11-for-12 in 20 minutes across three quarters.
This performance marked only Williams’ second game after missing 10 due to a hamstring injury. Daigneault noted how Williams’ play capped a meaningful two-day period for him, especially playing in front of his hometown crowd.
He was cooking. That was impressive. He was in a great flow,
Daigneault said.
I thought he had a great blend of attacks, including some passes that were really, really good. He was doing a great job. It was an unbelievably complete game. It completes a really memorable trip for him with the high school jersey retirement last night.
Then, for him to play in his hometown the way he did in front of his people is pretty special. So, I’m incredibly happy for him. We’re certainly thrilled to have him out there. He’s doing a great job.
Looking Ahead: Thunder Prepare to Face Bucks at Home
Following their convincing road victory, the Oklahoma City Thunder will return home to host the Milwaukee Bucks at the Paycom Center on Thursday. The team will rely on the sustained shooting excellence of Isaiah Joe and contributions from players like Jalen Williams as they aim to maintain their momentum. With injuries sidelining key players like Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder’s ability to keep executing their dynamic offense will be crucial in upcoming games.
