Returning from a knee bruise that forced him to miss the first five games, Isaiah Joe gave Oklahoma City exactly what it needed: deadly three-point shooting and energy off the bench.

Joe, a career 40 percent shooter from long range, found his rhythm instantly. He drilled five threes on just nine attempts and finished with a game-altering 20 points. Remarkably, Joe’s impact was felt in the first half, where he scored 14 points in just 11 minutes and maintained the Thunder’s offensive tempo.

OKC, which entered the night ranked near the bottom in three-point percentage, saw Joe’s hot hand boost the team to 32 percent shooting from deep, its second-best mark of the season so far.​

Beyond The Arc and Beyond the Box Score

Joe’s return was more than just perimeter scoring. In addition to his 20 points, he grabbed six rebounds, collected a steal, and was a +13 in just 22 minutes of action.

He consistently found ways to get open: whether relocating after a rebound, coming off screens, or working catch-and-shoot chances. Joe’s instant offense provided crucial balance alongside star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who poured in 31 points, and Ajay Mitchell, who also notched 20 off the bench.

Joe demonstrated the ability to punish defensive lapses with movement threes and even hit a tough mid-range fadeaway, highlighting his versatility.​

A Timely Lift For Depleted Thunder

With the Thunder still missing key contributors like Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, Joe’s performance could not have come at a better moment.

Oklahoma City needed a confidence boost from deep after struggling with efficiency to open the year, and Joe’s return changed the tone. His spark helped the Thunder pull away, coasting to a 127-108 victory to keep their perfect record alive at 6-0.

As the team battles ongoing injuries, Joe’s shooting and energy could be pivotal for sustaining their hot start in the competitive Western Conference.