Strict as always, in adhering to his long-range shot diet, Isaiah Joe had used his 3-and-D style to discover November 2, 2024’s game-winning recipe, long before he could’ve known it. Behind by a dozen, and thus, no longer able to merely trade baskets, the fifth-year swingman sets the standard, offsetting a teammate’s missed shot by reflexively intercepting a miscommunicated pass. Elevated into the top of his release before one could even say the word “steal,” Joe buries a 3-point bucket, offering the momentum the Oklahoma City Thunder needed to conquer the L.A. Clippers. A turnaround wasn’t far off as Oklahoma City — trailing by as much as 13 — used 22 forced turnovers and 16 3-pointers to flip the game on its head for a double-digit win. Among those helping the Thunder weather the early-game storm, Joe, shooting only 3-pointers, turned in 12 points (on four-of-eight shooting), alongside two rebounds and a steal. · Nov 3, 2024