Denver nuggets vs Oklahoma city thunder match player stats
The denver nuggets vs oklahoma city thunder match player stats from February 2, 2026, tell a much deeper story than the final score alone. Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Denver Nuggets 121-111 at Ball Arena, but the numbers reveal how the game was shaped by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s scoring and playmaking, Cason Wallace’s unexpected offensive impact, Oklahoma City’s defensive activity, and Denver’s inability to turn strong three-point shooting into a winning performance. For anyone studying the box score, this matchup offers a useful example of how individual production, efficiency, turnovers, and defensive possessions combine to decide an NBA game.
The Thunder entered the matchup with a 39-11 record and an 18-6 road mark shown in the game data. Denver was listed at 33-17 overall and 14-10 at home. Those records already suggested a competitive meeting between two teams with strong seasons, but the final result made the statistical contrast especially interesting. Oklahoma City scored 121 points while Denver finished with 111, giving the Thunder a 10-point victory.
The most important takeaway is that Denver actually posted a slightly better overall field-goal percentage and a considerably better three-point percentage. Yet Oklahoma City created more pressure through turnovers, steals, free throws, and individual shot creation. The box score therefore provides an excellent lesson in why shooting percentage by itself does not always explain the winner.
Game Overview and Final Score
The game took place on February 2, 2026, at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado, with an attendance of 19,900.
Oklahoma City won each of the first three quarters:
- First quarter: Oklahoma City 32, Denver 26
- Second quarter: Oklahoma City 30, Denver 29
- Third quarter: Oklahoma City 39, Denver 30
- Fourth quarter: Oklahoma City 20, Denver 26
Denver did win the fourth quarter by six points, but by then Oklahoma City had created enough separation to protect its lead.
The third quarter was particularly important. Oklahoma City scored 39 points while Denver managed 30. That nine-point swing represented the largest quarter-level difference in the game and helped transform a relatively close contest into a matchup in which Denver needed a major fourth-quarter comeback.
That comeback never arrived.
The final score was:
Oklahoma City Thunder 121, Denver Nuggets 111
The victory gave Oklahoma City a 1-0 lead in the season series after Game 1.
denver nuggets vs oklahoma city thunder match player stats: Key Numbers
The team-level numbers provide the foundation for understanding the individual performances.
| Team | FG | 3PT | FT | REB | AST | TO | STL | BLK |
| Oklahoma City | 40-85 | 19-48 | 22-27 | 39 | 23 | 13 | 12 | 6 |
| Denver | 39-79 | 16-35 | 17-24 | 39 | 29 | 17 | 9 | 4 |
The shooting percentages were:
- Oklahoma City: 47% from the field
- Oklahoma City: 40% from three
- Oklahoma City: 81% from the free-throw line
- Denver: 49% from the field
- Denver: 46% from three
- Denver: 71% from the free-throw line
At first glance, Denver’s 49% field-goal percentage and 46% three-point percentage look impressive. Those numbers make the 10-point defeat more intriguing.
The difference came from several other areas.
Oklahoma City attempted 85 field goals compared with Denver’s 79. The Thunder also made 22 free throws compared with Denver’s 17. More importantly, Oklahoma City committed four fewer turnovers and recorded three more steals.
That combination helped the Thunder generate more scoring opportunities.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Leads Oklahoma City
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the central figure in Oklahoma City’s victory.
He finished with 34 points and 13 assists, while also recording two steals. His plus/minus was an outstanding +22, the best listed mark for either team.
The 34-point total made him Oklahoma City’s leading scorer, but his 13 assists may have been equally important.
A high-scoring performance can win a game through individual shot-making. A high-assist performance adds another dimension because it indicates that the same player is also helping create scoring opportunities for teammates.
Gilgeous-Alexander therefore affected the game in multiple ways.
His performance can be broken down into three major contributions:
- Scoring: 34 points gave Oklahoma City a dependable primary scoring option.
- Playmaking: 13 assists helped generate offense for teammates.
- Defensive activity: Two steals added to the Thunder’s pressure on Denver’s ball handlers.
His +22 plus/minus is also significant. Oklahoma City won by 10 overall, but Gilgeous-Alexander’s listed +22 indicates that the Thunder were substantially better during his minutes on the floor than the final margin alone suggests.
That does not mean plus/minus should be treated as a complete evaluation of a player. It is influenced by teammates, opponents, lineups, and game context. Still, when paired with 34 points, 13 assists, and two steals, it provides additional evidence that Gilgeous-Alexander was central to the result.
Cason Wallace Provides a Major Offensive Boost
One of the most notable statistical developments came from Cason Wallace.
Wallace scored 27 points, making him Oklahoma City’s second-leading scorer. He also recorded six rebounds and two steals.
His 27-point contribution was especially important because it reduced the burden on Gilgeous-Alexander.
In a game where the opposing team features elite offensive talent, relying heavily on one scorer can become risky. Oklahoma City instead received a major scoring contribution from Wallace, allowing the Thunder to maintain offensive pressure across more than one player.
Wallace also tied for Oklahoma City’s team lead in rebounds with six.
His box-score contribution was therefore well-rounded:
- 27 points
- 6 rebounds
- 2 steals
The two steals are particularly relevant because Oklahoma City finished with 12 steals as a team. Wallace was one of several players actively disrupting Denver’s possessions.
Chet Holmgren’s Defensive Influence
Chet Holmgren finished with 14 points and led Oklahoma City with three blocks.
While his scoring total was lower than those of Gilgeous-Alexander and Wallace, his defensive contribution matters when evaluating how the Thunder protected the paint.
Three blocks from one player represent half of Oklahoma City’s six total blocks.
Holmgren’s presence also adds context to Denver’s shooting numbers. Denver still shot 49% from the field, so the Thunder did not completely shut down Denver’s offense. Instead, Oklahoma City’s defense appears to have focused on creating disruption through a combination of steals and rim protection.
That distinction matters.
A team does not need to hold an opponent to a poor field-goal percentage to play effective defense. Creating turnovers, disrupting passing lanes, forcing difficult possessions, and limiting clean scoring sequences can also have a major effect.
Aaron Wiggins Adds Efficient Support
Aaron Wiggins scored 14 points and collected six rebounds.
His scoring matched Holmgren’s total, while his six rebounds tied Wallace for Oklahoma City’s team lead in that category.
The Thunder therefore received useful production from multiple players rather than depending entirely on one or two scorers.
That balance is visible in the scoring distribution:
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 34 points
- Cason Wallace: 27 points
- Chet Holmgren: 14 points
- Aaron Wiggins: 14 points
These four players accounted for a substantial portion of Oklahoma City’s offensive output.
Peyton Watson Leads Denver in Scoring
For Denver, Peyton Watson was the leading scorer with 29 points.
That is one of the more interesting aspects of the game.
Denver’s three most recognizable offensive names in the supplied box-score data were Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Watson. Yet Watson led the team in scoring while Jokic finished with 16 and Murray with 12.
Watson’s 29 points represented Denver’s biggest individual scoring contribution.
He also recorded one block, giving him a defensive contribution alongside his scoring.
For Denver to win a matchup against a team that scored 121 points, Watson’s offensive production needed to be supplemented by stronger output from the team’s primary offensive creators. The final numbers show that this did not happen sufficiently.
Nikola Jokic’s All-Around Numbers
Nikola Jokic finished with 16 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds.
His scoring total was below Watson’s, but his passing and rebounding remained important.
The eight assists made Jokic Denver’s second-leading listed playmaker behind Jamal Murray, who finished with 12 assists.
Jokic’s seven rebounds were also the most for Denver.
His box score therefore shows a classic all-around contribution:
- 16 points
- 8 assists
- 7 rebounds
The numbers also help explain why Denver still recorded 29 team assists, six more than Oklahoma City’s 23.
Denver moved the ball effectively.
The problem was that ball movement did not fully translate into a winning offensive result. The Nuggets had more assists and better overall shooting percentages, but they also committed 17 turnovers.
That contrast is one of the most valuable lessons in the game.
Jamal Murray’s 12 Assists Stand Out
Jamal Murray scored 12 points and recorded 12 assists.
The 12-assist total tied him for Denver’s highest listed assist output and gave the Nuggets a strong secondary playmaking presence.
His performance demonstrates why the final score cannot be understood simply by looking at Denver’s scoring leaders.
Murray was not Denver’s leading scorer, but he was one of the team’s most important offensive facilitators.
Denver finished with 29 assists overall. Murray’s 12 accounted for a large share of that total, while Jokic added eight.
Together, the two players produced 20 assists.
That means the Nuggets were generating considerable offense through their primary playmakers. Yet Oklahoma City’s defensive activity still created enough disruption to swing the game.
Denver’s Supporting Scorers
The supplied data lists Jalen Pickett with seven points for Denver.
That number is modest compared with Watson’s 29, but bench and secondary production can become important in a game decided by 10 points.
Denver’s challenge was not necessarily a complete lack of supporting offense. Instead, the team needed more consistent scoring across its rotation to match Oklahoma City’s 121-point total.
The Thunder received 27 points from Wallace in addition to Gilgeous-Alexander’s 34. Denver’s top scorer, Watson, had 29, but the scoring from Jokic and Murray was comparatively limited.
That created a different offensive shape between the teams.
The Turnover Battle Was Critical
One of the clearest statistical advantages for Oklahoma City was turnovers.
The Thunder committed 13 turnovers.
Denver committed 17.
That is a four-turnover difference.
Four possessions may not sound overwhelming in isolation, but in a game decided by 10 points, every additional possession becomes more valuable.
Oklahoma City also recorded 12 steals, compared with Denver’s nine.
The relationship between these numbers is important.
Steals create immediate defensive wins and often produce transition opportunities. Turnovers without steals can still stop a possession, but steals can provide a direct pathway to points.
Oklahoma City’s 12 steals indicate an aggressive defensive approach.
The Thunder were not simply waiting for Denver to miss shots. They were actively trying to take possessions away.
Free Throws Gave Oklahoma City Another Edge
The free-throw numbers were another important difference.
Oklahoma City went 22-for-27, an 81% rate.
Denver went 17-for-24, a 71% rate.
That produced a five-point difference in made free throws.
In a game decided by 10 points, those five points are meaningful.
The free-throw advantage also illustrates why field-goal percentage alone does not tell the whole story.
Denver shot 49% from the field compared with Oklahoma City’s 47%, but Oklahoma City made more free throws. When combined with the turnover difference and additional shot attempts, that helped the Thunder overcome Denver’s superior shooting percentage.
Three-Point Shooting Favored Denver
Denver shot 16-for-35 from three, which equals 46%.
Oklahoma City shot 19-for-48, which equals 40%.
Denver therefore had the clear percentage advantage from beyond the arc.
This is one of the most surprising aspects of the result.
A team shooting 46% from three would normally expect that efficiency to provide a strong offensive advantage. However, Oklahoma City attempted 13 more three-point shots and made three more.
The Thunder made 19 threes compared with Denver’s 16.
So Denver was more accurate, but Oklahoma City generated more three-point volume.
This distinction is essential when studying NBA box scores.
Efficiency tells you how well a team converted its attempts. Volume tells you how often it created those opportunities.
Oklahoma City won the volume battle even though Denver won the percentage battle.
Field-Goal Shooting Was Also Better for Denver
Denver finished 39-for-79 from the field, while Oklahoma City went 40-for-85.
Denver’s 49% field-goal percentage was two percentage points better than Oklahoma City’s 47%.
Again, that makes the final result more interesting.
The Nuggets were not defeated because they could not make shots.
They were defeated because the Thunder compensated through volume and other possession-based advantages.
Oklahoma City attempted six more field goals and made one more field goal.
When free throws and turnovers are added to the analysis, the scoring margin becomes easier to understand.
Rebounding Was Completely Even
Both teams finished with 39 rebounds.
That means neither team gained a meaningful advantage on the glass.
This is important because it allows us to eliminate rebounding as one of the main explanations for Oklahoma City’s victory.
Denver did not lose because Oklahoma City dominated the boards.
The rebounding battle was even.
Nikola Jokic led Denver with seven rebounds, while Cason Wallace and Aaron Wiggins each had six for Oklahoma City.
The balance on the glass reinforces the idea that the game was decided more by shot volume, turnovers, steals, free throws, and individual offensive production.
Assists Tell a Different Story
Denver finished with 29 assists, compared with Oklahoma City’s 23.
This was a clear advantage for the Nuggets.
Denver’s passing numbers were particularly strong because Murray recorded 12 assists and Jokic added eight.
That combination accounted for 20 of Denver’s 29 assists.
Yet Denver still lost by 10.
This demonstrates that more assists do not automatically equal more points.
Assists are valuable because they often indicate ball movement and shared offense, but the final result depends on what happens after those passes.
Oklahoma City’s 23 assists were fewer, but the Thunder scored 121 points.
That means individual shot creation, transition opportunities, three-point volume, and free throws helped compensate for the lower assist total.
Steals and Blocks Show Oklahoma City’s Defensive Activity
Oklahoma City recorded:
- 12 steals
- 6 blocks
Denver recorded:
- 9 steals
- 4 blocks
The Thunder therefore led both defensive categories.
The combined difference was significant.
Oklahoma City had three more steals and two more blocks.
That five-play difference does not translate directly into five points, but it provides a useful indicator of defensive disruption.
Jaylin Williams led Oklahoma City with three steals. Gilgeous-Alexander and Wallace each had two.
Holmgren led the Thunder in blocks with three.
For Denver, Bruce Brown and Jonas Valanciunas were listed with three steals each, while Julian Strawther had two. Peyton Watson, Strawther, and Valanciunas each recorded one block.
Plus/Minus Provides Additional Context
Gilgeous-Alexander posted Oklahoma City’s best listed plus/minus at +22.
For Denver, Spencer Jones was listed at -22, while Julian Strawther had the best listed Denver mark at +2.
Plus/minus should always be interpreted carefully. It measures the team’s point differential while a player is on the floor and does not isolate an individual’s performance.
Still, the numbers are useful when viewed alongside the rest of the box score.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s +22 fits with his 34 points, 13 assists, and two steals. The combination suggests that Oklahoma City was particularly effective during his minutes.
Spencer Jones’ -22, meanwhile, indicates that Denver’s point differential was significantly negative during his listed minutes.
These numbers are best used as supporting evidence rather than standalone player grades.
Why Oklahoma City Won Despite Denver’s Better Shooting
The central statistical question from this matchup is simple:
How did Oklahoma City win despite Denver shooting better from the field and from three?
The answer is a combination of several factors.
1. More Field-Goal Attempts
Oklahoma City attempted 85 shots.
Denver attempted 79.
That gave the Thunder six additional field-goal attempts.
2. More Made Three-Pointers
Oklahoma City made 19 threes.
Denver made 16.
Even though Denver was more accurate, Oklahoma City scored nine more points from three-point makes.
3. More Free Throws Made
The Thunder made 22 free throws.
The Nuggets made 17.
That was another five-point advantage.
4. Fewer Turnovers
Oklahoma City committed 13 turnovers.
Denver committed 17.
The Thunder therefore protected four more possessions.
5. More Defensive Disruption
Oklahoma City recorded 12 steals and six blocks.
Denver recorded nine steals and four blocks.
The Thunder consistently created more defensive events.
6. Stronger Top-End Scoring
Gilgeous-Alexander scored 34 and Wallace scored 27.
That gave Oklahoma City two players with at least 27 points.
Denver had Watson at 29, but Jokic scored 16 and Murray 12.
The difference in top-end scoring support was substantial.
Third Quarter Was the Turning Point
The third quarter deserves special attention.
Oklahoma City scored 39 points in the period.
Denver scored 30.
That nine-point difference was enough to establish a meaningful cushion heading into the fourth quarter.
The Thunder’s 39-point third quarter also represented their highest-scoring quarter of the game.
Denver attempted to respond in the fourth, winning that period 26-20, but the six-point advantage was not enough to overcome the third-quarter deficit.
This is a useful example of game flow.
A team can win the final quarter and still lose comfortably because earlier stretches have already created too large a deficit.
What the Matchup Says About Both Teams
The statistical profile of the game suggests two different approaches.
Oklahoma City demonstrated a combination of:
- High-volume perimeter shooting
- Strong individual scoring
- Aggressive defense
- Turnover creation
- Free-throw efficiency
- Multiple scoring contributors
Denver showed:
- Excellent three-point accuracy
- Better overall field-goal percentage
- Strong passing numbers
- Balanced rebounding
- Significant playmaking from Murray and Jokic
The difference was that Oklahoma City’s strengths were more closely connected to possession creation and scoring volume.
Denver’s strengths were more closely connected to efficiency and ball movement.
In this particular game, possession creation won.
A Closer Look at Jokic vs Gilgeous-Alexander
One of the most interesting individual comparisons is between Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Jokic:
- 16 points
- 8 assists
- 7 rebounds
Gilgeous-Alexander:
- 34 points
- 13 assists
- 2 steals
- +22 plus/minus
Jokic had the more balanced rebounding contribution, but Gilgeous-Alexander had the stronger scoring and playmaking numbers.
Jokic’s eight assists helped Denver finish with 29 team assists. Gilgeous-Alexander’s 13 assists were paired with 34 points, making his individual offensive workload particularly significant.
The comparison also shows why player evaluation requires context.
A player can have fewer points while still being extremely influential through passing and rebounding. Conversely, a player can dominate scoring while also serving as the primary playmaker.
This game provided an example of both styles.
Why Cason Wallace’s 27 Points Matter
Wallace’s 27 points may be one of the most important statistics for understanding the result.
If Gilgeous-Alexander had been Oklahoma City’s only major scoring threat, Denver could potentially have concentrated its defensive attention on him.
Wallace’s 27-point performance changed that equation.
The Thunder had a second major scoring source.
That made Oklahoma City’s offense more difficult to contain and helped maintain the team’s scoring pace.
His six rebounds and two steals also show that his contribution was not limited to shooting.
What Denver Could Have Done Differently
The box score cannot reveal every tactical decision, but it does identify the statistical areas that Denver needed to improve.
Protect Possessions
The 17 turnovers were costly.
Reducing that number would have limited Oklahoma City’s transition opportunities and increased Denver’s offensive possessions.
Generate More Free Throws
Denver made 17 free throws compared with Oklahoma City’s 22.
Closing that gap would have helped offset Oklahoma City’s scoring advantage.
Match Oklahoma City’s Volume
Denver shot better from three, but Oklahoma City made more threes because it attempted significantly more.
The Nuggets could have benefited from maintaining their efficiency while increasing quality three-point volume.
Find More Scoring From Core Players
Watson led Denver with 29 points, but Jokic and Murray combined for only 28.
Given their roles as major offensive creators, greater scoring production from the core could have changed the game’s balance.
What Oklahoma City Should Take From the Game
The Thunder’s most encouraging takeaway is that they won without needing a rebounding advantage.
They also did not shoot as efficiently as Denver from either the field or three-point range.
Instead, they created advantages through volume, defense, free throws, and individual scoring.
That is an important profile for a team because it suggests multiple paths to victory.
If the outside shot is not falling at the opponent’s rate, creating additional possessions and attacking efficiently can compensate.
The Thunder also received 27 points from Wallace, giving the offense another reliable source of production.
Statistical Lessons for Fans and Analysts
The denver nuggets vs oklahoma city thunder match player stats demonstrate several broader lessons for anyone analyzing NBA games.
Shooting Percentage Is Only One Piece of the Puzzle
Denver shot better from the field and from three, yet lost.
That does not make shooting percentage unimportant. It simply means it must be considered alongside volume.
Turnovers Can Change the Possession Equation
A four-turnover difference may become meaningful when combined with steals and transition opportunities.
Free Throws Matter in Close Margins
Oklahoma City’s five additional made free throws represented half of the final 10-point margin.
Star Production Needs Support
Gilgeous-Alexander had 34 points, but Wallace added 27.
Denver’s Watson had 29, while Jokic and Murray combined for 28.
The distribution of scoring matters.
Defensive Events Are Valuable
Oklahoma City’s 12 steals and six blocks show that defense can affect a game even when the opponent maintains a high field-goal percentage.
Player Statistics Summary
Oklahoma City Thunder
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Steals | Blocks | Plus/Minus |
| Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | 34 | Not listed | 13 | 2 | Not listed | +22 |
| Cason Wallace | 27 | 6 | Not listed | 2 | Not listed | Not listed |
| Chet Holmgren | 14 | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | 3 | Not listed |
| Aaron Wiggins | 14 | 6 | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
| Jaylin Williams | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | 3 | Not listed | Not listed |
Denver Nuggets
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Steals | Blocks | Plus/Minus |
| Peyton Watson | 29 | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | 1 | Not listed |
| Nikola Jokic | 16 | 7 | 8 | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
| Jamal Murray | 12 | Not listed | 12 | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
| Jalen Pickett | 7 | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
| Bruce Brown | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | 3 | Not listed | Not listed |
| Julian Strawther | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | 2 | 1 | +2 |
| Jonas Valanciunas | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | 3 | 1 | Not listed |
Where the supplied game data does not provide a particular individual statistic, it is intentionally marked as “Not listed” rather than estimated.
Full Team Comparison
| Category | Oklahoma City | Denver | Advantage |
| Points | 121 | 111 | Oklahoma City |
| Field Goals | 40-85 | 39-79 | Oklahoma City in makes, Denver in efficiency |
| FG Percentage | 47% | 49% | Denver |
| Three-Pointers | 19-48 | 16-35 | Oklahoma City in makes |
| 3PT Percentage | 40% | 46% | Denver |
| Free Throws | 22-27 | 17-24 | Oklahoma City |
| FT Percentage | 81% | 71% | Oklahoma City |
| Rebounds | 39 | 39 | Even |
| Assists | 23 | 29 | Denver |
| Turnovers | 13 | 17 | Oklahoma City |
| Steals | 12 | 9 | Oklahoma City |
| Blocks | 6 | 4 | Oklahoma City |
This table captures the central story of the game better than the final score alone.
Denver won several efficiency categories.
Oklahoma City won several possession and defensive categories.
The latter advantages proved more decisive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the Oklahoma City Thunder vs Denver Nuggets game on February 2, 2026?
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Denver Nuggets 121-111 at Ball Arena in Denver.
Who was Oklahoma City’s leading scorer?
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led Oklahoma City with 34 points. He also recorded 13 assists and had a +22 plus/minus.
Who led Denver in scoring?
Peyton Watson was Denver’s leading scorer with 29 points.
How many points did Nikola Jokic score?
Nikola Jokic scored 16 points. He also recorded eight assists and seven rebounds.
Which team shot better from three?
Denver shot better from three at 46%, compared with Oklahoma City’s 40%. However, Oklahoma City made more three-pointers, 19 compared with Denver’s 16.
Why did Oklahoma City win despite Denver’s better shooting percentages?
Oklahoma City created more field-goal attempts, made more three-pointers, made more free throws, committed fewer turnovers, and recorded more steals and blocks. Those advantages outweighed Denver’s superior shooting percentages.
Conclusion
The denver nuggets vs oklahoma city thunder match player stats from February 2, 2026, present a clear example of how an NBA game can be decided by more than shooting efficiency.
Oklahoma City won 121-111 despite Denver posting better field-goal and three-point percentages. The Thunder compensated with greater shot volume, five more made free throws, four fewer turnovers, three more steals, two more blocks, and stronger top-end scoring from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Cason Wallace.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s 34 points and 13 assists made him the game’s most influential offensive player, while his +22 plus/minus reinforced his impact. Wallace’s 27 points supplied crucial secondary scoring. Chet Holmgren contributed three blocks, and Aaron Wiggins added 14 points and six rebounds.
Denver received 29 points from Peyton Watson, while Nikola Jokic delivered 16 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds. Jamal Murray contributed 12 points and 12 assists. The Nuggets also won the overall assist battle and shot more accurately from both the field and three-point range.
Ultimately, the numbers point toward possession control and defensive disruption as major reasons for Oklahoma City’s victory. The Thunder did not need to be the more accurate shooting team. They simply created enough additional opportunities and converted enough of them to build a 10-point win.
For statistical analysis, this matchup is a strong reminder to look beyond the headline scoring totals. Field-goal attempts, turnover margin, free throws, steals, three-point volume, and the distribution of scoring can reveal why a team wins even when several conventional efficiency metrics favor the opponent.
