Thunder Shock Raptors Without SGA as Wallace Explodes for 27
The reigning champions just sent a powerful message to the rest of the league and they did it without their biggest star on the floor.
The Oklahoma City Thunder walked into Toronto and took down the Toronto Raptors 116 to 107 and the story of the night was Cason Wallace. He poured in 27 points, controlled the tempo and looked every bit like a rising force in this league. Add eight rebounds and six assists and you’re looking at a complete performance that silenced a late Raptors surge.
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What makes this win even more significant is who was not playing. Reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was sidelined with an abdominal strain. That absence could have rattled most teams. Instead, Oklahoma City tightened its defense and leaned on depth. Isaiah Joe chipped in 22 points and the Thunder showed why they sit near the top of the standings with 45 wins.
Toronto actually started strong. The Raptors came out aggressive, taking care of the ball and outscoring Oklahoma City in the first quarter. For a moment, it looked like home court energy might carry them. But then the defense shifted. The Thunder turned up the pressure in the second and third quarters, forced turnovers and built a lead that stretched to 25 points at one stage.
The Raptors fought back late. A clutch three-pointer from Jamal Shead tied the game midway through the fourth quarter. The crowd sensed a momentum swing. But championship teams respond and Oklahoma City responded fast. A decisive 9–0 run slammed the door shut.
For Toronto, RJ Barrett led the way with 21 points, while Immanuel Quickley and Ja’Kobe Walter added 17 each. All-Stars Brandon Ingram and Scottie Barnes were held to just 15 points apiece, largely neutralized by Oklahoma City’s smothering defense. That defensive stretch may be the most important takeaway of the night.
This game matters because it highlights depth and resilience. The Thunder proved they can win big games without their MVP. That’s a warning sign to the rest of the NBA. For the Raptors, now 34–24, it raises questions about consistency and ball control as the playoff push tightens.
Both teams are back in action immediately, with Oklahoma City heading to Detroit and Toronto preparing to host San Antonio. The season is moving quickly and every game now shapes the postseason picture.
Stay with us as we continue to track the playoff race, the injury updates and every major development across the NBA.
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