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Isaiah Joe’s elite shooting leads Thunder bench production amid SGA’s absence
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- Isaiah Joe’s elite shooting leads Thunder bench production amid SGA’s absence
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Oklahoma City Thunder guard Isaiah Joe has been the much-needed consistent spark off the bench for head coach Mark Daigneault as the defending champions continue its regular season without All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander . With SGA ruled out through the All-Star break, Joe's dunk over LeBron James was a highlight reel moment in the Thunder's win against the Los Angeles Lakers , but his production extends far beyond.
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Thunder fans would argue Joe has done enough to earn an invite to this week's dunk and 3-point contest at All-Star Saturday Night. Before dunking over James, Orlando Magic's Paolo Banchero was Joe's previous poster victim . However, it's Joe's shooting that's been his staple for the Thunder over the years, and this season is no different, especially since Gilgeous-Alexander's abdominal injury.
Joe is averaging 14.6 points on 44.2% shooting, including 44.1% from deep, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game in February. In his previous seven games combined, He's connected on a whopping 22 threes (22-for-50) at the same rate (44%). I-Joe is good for at least three triples a game in February.
His 19 points led the Thunder's bench production in a 119-110 win against the Lakers. Thunder's Isaiah Joe has been one of Daigneault most reliable scorers, especially ahead of Jalen Williams ' return on Monday.
Jalen Williams' silver lining amid return in Thunder win
Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
Thunder starting forward Jalen Williams returned from a 10-game absence in a 119-110 win against the Lakers. Williams recovered from a hamstring injury before scoring 10 of his 23 points to will the Thunder to a victory on the road.
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After the game, Williams revealed how the unexpected rest, following his return from a 19-game absence to start the season, rejuvenated his approach .
"It feels great. The three weeks [were] actually great for me. That was the first time that I shot like that since April 8th of last year," Williams said. "So, that was really dope. My hand feels good. I just got jammed up with Ayton , and that was pretty much it. It's honestly the best it's been since then. A lot of the reps I was able to do while I was out. That really helped out a lot."
The Thunder will look to close out its quick two-game road trip without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on a high note in Wednesday's matchup against the Suns.
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