Thunder vs Kings recap: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander returns, rallies OKC past Sacramento
The OKC Thunder returns home for a game against the Sacramento Kings at 7 p.m. Tuesday.
This is the fourth and final meeting of the season between OKC (53-25) and Sacramento (45-33). The Kings have a 2-1 series lead, but the Thunder earned a 127-113 home win in the most recent meeting on Feb. 11.
Both Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (quad) and Jalen Williams (ankle) will return after missing OKC's last four games. The Thunder went 1-3 during that stretch.
Here's what you need to know about the matchup:
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Final: Thunder 112, Kings 105
Shai tries to rally the crowd at the sound of the buzzer, the punctuation mark on his 40-point game and OKC’s 112-105 win. Thunder was down 20 at one point. Fox and Ellis combined for 59 pts, Kings had 21 boards. OKC held SAC to 4 of 21 in the 4th, and Shai brought it home.
—Joel Lorenzi, Staff writer
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End 3Q: Kings 87, Thunder 84 | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander returns with a fury
Shai’s back. 17-point third quarter (31 tonight, of course) and a dramatic sequence to cut the Kings’ lead to 87-84 after 3. A SGA layup, followed by a stop on Fox, which turns into a Dort layup in traffic. Shai presses up on Keon Ellis before blocking his shot.
—Joel Lorenzi, Staff writer
Half: Kings 64, Thunder 45
One of the worst quarters of OKC’s season. Just 17 points in the second, shooting 20.8% from the field (36.4% tonight) and 1 for 12 from deep (4/18 tonight). Offense couldn’t find cracks, shotmaking absent. SAC 14-31 from 3. Fox & Ellis: 41 pts.
—Joel Lorenzi, Staff writer
After 1: Kings 31, Thunder 28
Fox & Ellis: 8 for 12 from 3. The rest of Sac combined from 3: 0 for 6. OKC shooting 55% FG, 3 for 6 from deep. Losing boards 14-6 early. Shai up to 11 pts. Think he looks back, fr this time. And no, idk his sub pattern tonight.
—Joel Lorenzi, Staff writer
How to watch OKC Thunder vs Sacramento Kings
Date: Tuesday, April 9
Time: 7 p.m. CT
TV: Bally Sports Oklahoma
Live Stream: Fubo (watch for free)
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Injury report for OKC Thunder vs Sacramento Kings
OKC Thunder injury report
Ousmane Dieng (G League assignment) is out. Adam Flagler (G League two-way) is out. Gordon Hayward (left posterior tibialis strain) is out. Keyontae Johnson (G League two-way) is out. Olivier Sarr (G League two-way) is out.
Sacramento Kings injury report
Jordan Ford (G League two-way) is out. Kevin Huerter (left shoulder surgery) is out. Malik Monk (right knee sprain) is out.
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OKC Thunder starting lineup
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Josh Giddey
Lu Dort
Jalen Williams
Chet Holmgren
Sacramento Kings starting lineup
De'Aaron Fox
Keon Ellis
Keegan Murray
Harrison Barnes
Domantas Sabonis
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This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander returns from injury, leads Thunder past Kings
