The spotlight shone brightly on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in New York last night, but let’s not overlook the incredible performance delivered by Isaiah Joe. The Oklahoma City Thunder’s sharpshooter lit it up in the first half, ultimately achieving a career-high score.
Isaiah Joe Takes Center Stage
If we had to place bets on who would be Shai’s right-hand man last night, Jalen Williams would have been the logical pick given his recent performances. But just like in their previous showdown against the Knicks, it was another soldier who stepped up to the challenge. This time around, it was Isaiah Joe who took charge off the bench and delivered a breathtaking performance.
Lighting Up the Scoreboard
As Joe checked in towards the end of the first quarter, the entire momentum of the game shifted in favor of the Thunder. He quickly found his rhythm from downtown and started bombarding the Knicks with three-pointers, raining down shots like a seasoned sniper. His dynamic cuts and clever combinations with Hartenstein were nothing short of spectacular. By halftime, Joe had already racked up an impressive 23 points, putting the Thunder comfortably in the lead.
Finishing Strong
With Shai heating up in the third quarter, Joe found less need to contribute offensively but still managed to extend his score with a few more long-range shots, wrapping up the night on a high note. His final stat line read 31 points on an impressive 8 of 11 shooting from beyond the arc. It was not only his highest scoring game of the season, but he also set a new personal record for three-pointers made in a game with eight. His career high remains at 33 points.
Depth of the Thunder Shines
Joe’s scorching performance highlights the impressive depth of the OKC roster, which remains without the likes of Chet Holmgren and Alex Caruso. This team is proving that talent runs deep, and when one player steps up, others are ready to follow suit.