In a battle of the NBA’s top teams, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a stellar performance, scoring 40 points to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a commanding 134-114 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday. The game at Paycom Center featured the league’s best offensive team, the Cavaliers, against the Thunder, who rank atop the defensive ratings.
Oklahoma City took control with a dominant 22-2 run to close the first quarter and extended it to 30-2 early in the second. Luguentz Dort complemented Gilgeous-Alexander with a season-high 22 points, hitting 6 of 9 from three-point range.
The Thunder’s relentless defense and balanced offense overwhelmed the Cavaliers, solidifying Oklahoma City’s position as a championship contender.
Suns 130, Wizards 123
Devin Booker continued his scoring tear with 37 points, while Kevin Durant, a Washington native, added 23 as the Phoenix Suns secured a wire-to-wire win over the struggling Wizards. Booker notched his fourth consecutive 30-plus-point game, going 13-of-15 from the free-throw line and hitting four three-pointers.
Grayson Allen contributed 21 points off the bench, and rookie Ryan Dunn recorded career highs with 18 points and 11 rebounds for the Suns, who have now won four of their last five games.
For Washington, rookie Kyshawn George led the charge with a season-high 24 points, sinking six three-pointers. Jordan Poole scored 18 points, while rookie Alexandre Sarr added 16. The Wizards, despite a 40-point fourth quarter, suffered their eighth consecutive loss.
Pacers 111, Pistons 100
Myles Turner scored 28 points as the Indiana Pacers defeated the Detroit Pistons for their seventh win in eight games. Pascal Siakam delivered a well-rounded performance with 26 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, and four steals. Tyrese Haliburton contributed 17 points and eight assists, while Andrew Nembhard added 12 points.
Tim Hardaway Jr. led the Pistons with 25 points, while Cade Cunningham chipped in 20 points and nine assists. Jalen Duren impressed with 17 points, 17 rebounds, and two blocks, but the Pistons couldn’t overcome Indiana’s firepower.
The Thunder, Suns, and Pacers continue their impressive stretches, while the Cavaliers, Wizards, and Pistons face mounting challenges in their respective campaigns.
