SALT LAKE CITY — Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams each poured in 25 points as the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder rolled past the Utah Jazz, 131–101, on Sunday night, extending their league-best winning streak to 15 games and improving to 23–1.
Holmgren nearly notched a double-double with nine rebounds, while Williams directed the offense with eight assists. Aaron Wiggins chipped in 19 points, and Branden Carlson posted a season-best 13.
The Thunder were locked in from start to finish, shooting 58 percent overall and draining 21 three-pointers. Oklahoma City also punished Utah’s mistakes, turning 17 Jazz turnovers into 27 points.
Kyle Filipkowski led Utah with 21 points and 10 rebounds. Walter Clayton Jr. and Taylor Hendricks each scored 20, with Clayton adding nine assists.
Both teams were missing their top scorers: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sat out with left elbow bursitis, while Lauri Markkanen was unavailable due to illness.
Oklahoma City wasted no time taking control, sprinting to a 13–1 start before Utah finally got on the board. After the Jazz trimmed the deficit to single digits, Carlson helped blow the game open — dunking once and knocking down three straight threes during a blistering stretch that fueled a 25–7 run. The Thunder finished the opening quarter with 45 points.
Utah’s defensive struggles continued, as the Jazz have now surrendered 86 first-quarter points over their last two outings.
Oklahoma City never let the lead dip below double digits, stretching the margin to as much as 42 in the second half and cruising to another convincing win.
Up Next:
Thunder: Host Phoenix on Wednesday in the NBA Cup quarterfinals.
Jazz: Visit Memphis on Friday.
