Thunder defeat Knicks 103-100 behind Holmgren’s career-high six 3-points
Mar 4, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren (7) is guarded by New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
The Oklahoma City Thunder delivered a statement performance at Madison Square Garden, overcoming fatigue and a resilient New York Knicks squad to secure a crucial 103-100 victory. Playing on the second night of a back-to-back after arriving at their hotel around 3 a.m., the Thunder showed championship-level composure in a game that lived up to its billing as a clash between title contenders.
Chet Holmgren stole the show early, erupting for 14 points in the opening quarter alone and making four 3-points in the frame. The 7-foot-1 forward embraced the bright lights of Madison Square Garden, finishing with 28 points and eight rebounds while tying his career high with six made 3-points on 11-for-19 shooting overall.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s clutch closing performance
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander demonstrated why he’s considered an elite closer, particularly in the game’s crucial moments. With 1:18 remaining and the Thunder clinging to their lead, Gilgeous-Alexander found himself isolated against OG Anunoby and used a stepback to create separation before sinking a 3-pointer that pushed Oklahoma City’s advantage to seven points.
« He’s just got a great blend and a great control of the game, » Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault said. « He has seen all of those things, so he knows when to attack. He knows when to give it up. We have an unbelievable trust in him in those decisions, and he has an unbelievable trust in his teammates, as you saw again tonight. He’s an elite closer. »
The Thunder’s victory wasn’t without drama. After building a 63-48 lead with 8:45 left in the third quarter, Oklahoma City watched the Knicks storm back with a 24-9 surge. Jalen Brunson capped the rally with a 3-pointer that tied the game, and Mikal Bridges gave New York an 80-77 lead entering the fourth quarter with a 3-pointer with 1.2 seconds remaining in the third.
The final seconds proved nerve-wracking for Oklahoma City. With a 3-point lead and six seconds left, the Thunder needed one crucial stop. Brunson caught an inbound pass and attempted a corner 3-pointer, but Cason Wallace got a hand up to force the miss. Anunoby grabbed the offensive rebound and heaved a buzzer-beating 3-point attempt, but Kenrich Williams sprinted toward him with his hand up, and the ball clanked off the rim.
Karl-Anthony Towns led the Knicks with 17 points and 17 rebounds, while Brunson contributed 16 points and a season-high 15 assists despite shooting just 5-for-18 from the field. The victory improved Oklahoma City to 49-15, extending their winning streak to four games while snapping New York’s three-game winning streak.
« We made enough plays on both ends down the stretch to close it out, » Holmgren said. « Obviously, they made some plays too that they just didn’t quite convert. If they do, it’s a different-looking game, but that’s how basketball goes. »
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