Scouting reports and pre-game strategy meetings aren’t for the public eye, but for flies on the wall during the Utah Jazz’s conversations on January 22, 2025, it’s likely that avoiding turnovers was point of emphasis No. 1. A month-and-change after pocketing 18 steals, and turning 29 forced turnovers into 45 points during an early-December clash against Utah, the Oklahoma City Thunder search for encores after Cason Wallace telegraphs Isaiah Collier’s ill-advised cross-court pass. Challenged by Drew Eubanks’ deceptively-quick stride in transition, Wallace keeps his foot pressed to the gas, speeding the length of the floor for a fastbreak flush during the first quarter. By game’s end, Wallace’s defensively-brilliant Thunder experienced something akin to déjà vu, as they forced 27 turnovers, collected 15 steals, and parlayed that into 39 points themselves during a victory. Smooth in complementing his teammate’s 54-point career-high, Wallace tallied 13 points (on six-of-eight shooting), four rebounds, one assist, three steals, one 3-pointer, and a game-high +20 plus-minus. · Jan 23, 2025