Topić Orchestrates Offense: Serb's Excellent Shooting Night and Eight Assists!

Defense remained a persistent issue for the Blue, even by the high-octane standards of the G League. They found themselves trailing 39-30 after the first quarter, a narrative that unfortunately repeated itself in the second. Although OKC managed to score 29 points, it made little difference as the Vipers relentlessly poured in baskets.

The Blue went into halftime facing a 74-59 deficit, and the situation didn't improve after the break. At one point, the gap widened to a staggering 26 points. With only 15 points scored in the third quarter, they plunged into a 99-74 hole. However, trailing 103-76 with less than ten minutes remaining, OKC showed some fight in front of their home crowd.

A 21-6 run by the home team injected a glimmer of hope. With three minutes left, they were down 109-97, and while the odds were slim, a comeback seemed plausible. Unfortunately, the Vipers stabilized their play and maintained their lead. The Blue's 31-point fourth quarter merely served to make the final score appear more respectable.

The Blue shot 51% from the field and a solid 15-of-32 (46.9%) from beyond the arc. They struggled from the free-throw line, converting only 7-of-15 attempts, but dished out 24 assists on their 39 made baskets. Six players from the Oklahoma City affiliate reached double-digit scoring.

On the other side, the Vipers shot 44% from the field, with a less impressive 10-of-34 (29.4%) from three-point range. They secured their victory at the free-throw line, making 18-of-24 attempts, and recorded 24 assists on 38 made field goals. Five Vipers players scored in double figures.

• Nikola Topić: 14 points (6/10 FG, 1/2 3PT), eight assists, one rebound
  

• Peyton Sandfort: 10 points (4/6 FG, 2/3 3PT), three rebounds
  

• Brooks Barnhizer: five points (2/4 FG), four rebounds
  

• Žer Smit: 19 points (6/7 FG, 3/4 3PT), five rebounds, two assists, three steals
  

• Tristen Njuton: 43 points (13/24 FG, 8/16 3PT, 5/5 FT), four rebounds, two assists
  

• Daishen Nix: 20 points (5/15 FG, 0/4 3PT, 5/6 FT), seven assists, six rebounds, four steals
  

• Caleb McConnell: 19 points (6/11 FG, 1/3 3PT, 3/6 FT), eight rebounds, six assists, two steals
  

• Efe Abogidi: 15 points (4/10 FG, 1/5 3PT, 3/4 FT), six rebounds