Thunder Hold Off Raptors Behind Wallace’s Big Night
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By Nemanja Petković
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Summary:
- Cason Wallace scored 27 points to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 116-107 win against the Toronto Raptors.
- Oklahoma won despite MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander missing the game.
- Toronto tied it late, but the Thunder answered with a decisive 9-0 run.
Despite missing their biggest basketball star on Tuesday, the Oklahoma City Thunder still found a way to defeat the Toronto Raptors, and they had Cason Wallace to thank.
Third Consecutive Victory for Thunder
The game ended 116-107, with Cason Wallace leading everyone on the floor with 27 points and filling the stat sheet with impressive figures: eight rebounds and six assists.
The 22-year-old seemed confident from the get-go, helping Oklahoma City control the game for long stretches. Isaiah Joe also offered strong support with 22 points, assisting the Thunder with securing their third straight victory and improving to 45-14.
The win came without reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander, whose recovery from an abdominal strain continues. In his absence, Oklahoma City once again proved why it remains one of the league’s toughest teams, especially on the defensive end.
Raptors’ Early Momentum Ended
Toronto who added frontcourt depth earlier in the month, currently sits at 34-24, had their moments but could not sustain its early momentum. RJ Barrett was in the lead with 21 points, along with eight rebounds and four assists. Immanuel Quickley managed to add 17 points, the same as Ja’Kobe Walter off the bench.
All-Stars Brandon Ingram and Scottie Barnes were limited to 15 points each, as Oklahoma City’s defense made life difficult.
The Raptors actually started strong, taking a 32-25 lead after the first quarter while protecting the ball well. But things shifted in the second and third quarters. Oklahoma City tightened up defensively, forced mistakes, and built a lead that reached as high as 25 points.
Toronto made one last push late in the fourth. Backup guard Jamal Shead hit a three-pointer with just over four minutes remaining to tie the game at 101-101, bringing the home crowd to life.
But the Thunder answered immediately with a decisive 9-0 run that put the game out of reach.
Turnovers told much of the story, with Toronto taking care of the ball early but struggling the rest of the way, finishing with 16 giveaways. Oklahoma City stayed more composed and capitalized on those extra chances.
Both teams are right back in action on Wednesday, with the Thunder heading to Detroit, and the Raptors returning home to face San Antonio.
