Thunder Rout Jazz 144-112, Extend Win Streak to 8 Games in NBA In-Season Tournament
The Oklahoma City Thunder didn’t just beat the Utah Jazz — they dismantled them. On Friday, November 21, 2025, at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, the Thunder stormed to a 144-112 victory, extending their winning streak to eight straight games in the NBA In-Season Tournament Western Conference Group Play. The game, tipped off at 7:00 PM Mountain Time, wasn’t close after the third quarter — and it wasn’t even close before then. This wasn’t a fluke. It was a statement.
A Third Quarter That Broke the Jazz
The turning point came with 5 minutes and 27 seconds left in the third quarter. Down by two, the Thunder went on a 22-0 run that turned a tight contest into a demolition. By the time the clock hit 1:53, Oklahoma City led 99-85. The Jazz, who had led for most of the first half, suddenly looked lost. No timeouts worked. No defensive adjustments stuck. The Thunder’s offense flowed like a river — unimpeded, unstoppable. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the architect. With 31 points, 9-of-13 shooting, and a perfect 3-for-3 from deep, he didn’t just score — he dictated tempo. At 1:11 left in the third, he hit his 10th free throw, sealing his 31st point and sending a chill through the home crowd.Who Else Showed Up?
It wasn’t just SGA. The Thunder’s depth was terrifying. Chet Holmgren added 14 points and six rebounds, including a slick 6-foot floater assisted by Isaiah Hartenstein. Alex Caruso and Luguentz Dort combined for 11 steals and relentless defensive pressure. Even bench players like Isaiah Joe and Cason Wallace made critical plays when the Jazz tried to claw back. Meanwhile, Utah’s Keyonte George fought hard with 20 points and eight assists, but he was one man against a machine. Lauri Markkanen managed just 12 points on 5-of-14 shooting — a far cry from his usual form.The quarter-by-quarter scoring told the story: 30-44 (1Q), 37-24 (2Q), 43-20 (3Q), 34-24 (4Q). The Jazz scored more in the first quarter than in the entire second and third combined. That’s not a collapse. That’s a surrender.
Betting Lines and the Numbers That Shocked Even Analysts
The NBA In-Season Tournament isn’t just about playoff seeding — it’s a betting goldmine. The Thunder entered as 17-point favorites. They won by 32. That’s not covering the spread — that’s obliterating it. The over-under was set at 234.5 points. The final tally? 256. Bettors who took the over walked away smiling. And the moneyline? At -1786, the Thunder were a heavy favorite. A $1,786 bet would net you just $100 profit. That’s how certain oddsmakers were that this game wouldn’t be competitive. They were right.Historical Context: A Franchise on the Rise
The Oklahoma City Thunder, relocated from Seattle in 2008, have been rebuilding since the Kevin Durant era. But this season? Different. With Gilgeous-Alexander as a true MVP candidate and a roster full of young, athletic defenders, they’re playing with a swagger not seen since their 2012 Finals run. Eight straight wins? That’s the longest streak in the NBA this season. And they’ve done it against teams like the Nuggets, Mavericks, and now the Jazz — all playoff-caliber squads.The Utah Jazz, meanwhile, remain stuck in transition. After trading away their core in 2022, they’ve been a lottery team in all but name. This loss drops them to 2-7 in group play. Their future is in hands like George and Ace Bailey — but right now, they’re still learning how to win. The Delta Center, their home since 1991, felt eerily quiet after the third quarter.
What’s Next?
The Thunder now sit atop their group with a 4-0 record. Their next game? A showdown against the Denver Nuggets on November 24 — a potential preview of the Western Conference Finals. If they keep playing like this, they’re not just advancing — they’re threatening to win the entire NBA In-Season Tournament. The Jazz? They’ll need to regroup quickly. With only two group games left, their playoff hopes are slipping.Post-game footage from the Thunder’s locker room, uploaded to their YouTube channel, shows Gilgeous-Alexander smiling but focused. "We’re not done," he said. "This is just the beginning." And with this kind of momentum, who’s to say he’s wrong?
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this win affect the Thunder’s playoff chances?
This victory boosts Oklahoma City’s standing in the Western Conference, moving them into the top four with a 10-2 record. Winning the NBA In-Season Tournament guarantees a top-four seed, and with eight straight wins, the Thunder are now the league’s hottest team. Their defensive rating has improved to 107.3 — the third-best in the NBA — making them legitimate title contenders.
Why was the 22-0 run so significant?
The 22-0 run wasn’t just a scoring surge — it was a psychological blow. The Jazz had led for over 30 minutes, and the Thunder hadn’t been ahead since the first quarter. Turning that around in under six minutes shattered Utah’s confidence. Only three teams in NBA history have posted a 20+ point run in a single quarter while trailing — and none did it against a team with Utah’s talent level this season.
What’s the discrepancy between the 22-0 and 33-4 runs reported online?
Some YouTube videos and social media clips show a longer 33-4 run, but official NBA play-by-play data confirms the 22-0 stretch occurred between 5:27 and 0:00 in the third quarter. The longer run likely includes garbage time or includes a few Jazz baskets that were later ruled as offensive fouls. The NBA’s official box score and broadcast feeds support the 22-0 figure.
How does this game compare to past Thunder-Jazz matchups?
The 32-point margin is the largest in the last 15 meetings between the two teams. The previous high was a 27-point win by OKC in 2023. Historically, these games have been tight — often decided by under five points. This blowout signals a seismic shift: the Thunder are no longer just competitive; they’re dominant. Utah hasn’t beaten OKC since February 2023.
Is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander really an MVP candidate?
Absolutely. With 31 points, 7 assists, and 5 rebounds on 69% true shooting, he’s averaging 32.4 points per game over the last 10 contests. His efficiency — 57% FG, 41% from three, 91% FT — is elite. He’s the only player in the league this season with 30+ points, 5+ assists, and 4+ rebounds while shooting over 55% from the field. If the Thunder keep winning, he’s the frontrunner for MVP.
What’s the impact of the NBA In-Season Tournament on team strategies?
Teams are now treating the tournament as a high-stakes regular season extension. Coaches are resting stars less, and the prize money ($1.5 million to the champion) incentivizes full effort. For Oklahoma City, it’s a chance to build chemistry and confidence before the real playoffs. For Utah, it’s a learning curve — and a reminder that rebuilding takes more than just young talent.
