In a physical, low-scoring affair at Madison Square Garden, the Oklahoma City Thunder hold a narrow 35-31 lead over the New York Knicks at halftime on Sunday afternoon.
The first quarter belonged to the Thunder, who established an early edge by pushing the pace and attacking the rim. Their 26-point frame was powered by a balanced start from their core, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luguentz Dort each contributing eight points. The Knicks, led by seven points from OG Anunoby, stayed within striking distance but struggled to find a consistent offensive rhythm early.
Any offensive flow completely vanished in a brutal second quarter, where both teams combined for just 17 points. The period was defined by stifling defense, missed shots, and a scoring drought that lasted over three minutes for each side. The Thunder managed only nine points in the quarter, but the Knicks could muster just eight, failing to capitalize on Oklahoma City’s cold spell. Mikal Bridges provided a rare bright spot for New York, scoring five of his game-high ten points in the quarter to keep his team close.
At the break, neither team is shooting above 40% from the field. The Knicks will look to Jalen Brunson (7 points, 3 assists) to ignite their offense, while the Thunder rely on their trio of Gilgeous-Alexander, Dort, and Jalen Williams to break through New York's persistent defense in the second half.
