As the NBA’s most disruptive defense battled the league’s leader in turnovers, the story of December 3, 2024’s Northwest Division clash had, perhaps, already written itself to get ugly. And yet, even as the Oklahoma City Thunder’s takeaway machine of a defense hustled its way into 32 more shot attempts than the Utah Jazz by game’s end, few commanded discussion quite like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s third quarter sequence. As matchup-proof a scorer as the Association reasonably has, Gilgeous-Alexander feasts eyes on a mismatch, putting Walker Kessler’s 7-foot frame through gymnastics with a beautifully-executed behind-the-back, behind-the-leg dribble, opening the door for a paint drive. Welcoming of any additional challengers, Gilgeous-Alexander allows Lauri Markkanen the opportunity of joining his teammate’s misery, leaving both defenders dazed and airborne as he — grinning before the shot even drops — rocks backward into a 10-foot bucket. Oklahoma City arrived with NBA Cup point differential-related incentives, but after having forced 29 giveaways, 45 points off turnovers, and a 30-point lead relatively early on, said blowout proved effortless. The reigning Western Conference Player of the Month, in just three quarters, deposited contributions through 26 points (on 11-of-19 shooting), six rebounds, seven assists, three steals, and two 3-pointers. · Dec 4, 2024