Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a sensational performance, matching his career-high 45 points to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 120-114 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Thursday. The win marked the Thunder’s ninth consecutive triumph, solidifying their dominance in the Western Conference with a 24-5 record.
The 26-year-old Canadian guard showed his all-around brilliance, shooting 15-of-22 from the field, including 4-of-5 from beyond the arc, and converting all 11 of his free throws. He added seven rebounds, eight assists, two blocks, and a steal to his masterclass.
“It’s the extra plays that put you over the edge,” Gilgeous-Alexander said postgame. “We have a group of guys that are hungry to do whatever it takes to win, and that’s why we win.”
Jalen Williams contributed 20 points, while Isaiah Hartenstein secured his 11th double-double of the season with 11 points and 13 rebounds. The Thunder rallied from an eight-point halftime deficit and closed the game on a decisive 17-7 run.
Hartenstein praised the Thunder’s team chemistry: “The main thing is it’s genuine. We’re not trying to fake something. We really all support each other, and I think that’s what makes it special.”
Indiana’s Andrew Nembhard led the Pacers (15-16) with 23 points. Despite their strong first half, the Pacers struggled to maintain momentum, as Gilgeous-Alexander’s late heroics secured the Thunder’s victory.
Gilgeous-Alexander delivered when it mattered most, hitting a critical 3-pointer with 59 seconds left to give Oklahoma City a 114-109 lead. He sealed the game with six free throws in the final 36 seconds.
Reflecting on his shooting confidence, he said, “In the past, I probably would have gotten discouraged missing one and not shooting it, but I would like to think I’ve grown… You’ve always got to stay shooting.”
Around the League
In other action, Tyler Herro hit a jump shot with 0.1 seconds remaining to lift the Miami Heat over the Orlando Magic 89-88.
The Washington Wizards, NBA’s bottom team, claimed a rare victory, beating Charlotte 113-110, with Jordan Poole scoring 25 points, including the game-winning 3-pointer.
In Atlanta, Jalen Johnson’s 30-point, 15-rebound effort powered the Hawks to a 141-133 win over Chicago, while Jalen Green’s 30 points helped the Houston Rockets defeat New Orleans 128-111.
Despite missing Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, the Milwaukee Bucks fell to the Brooklyn Nets 111-105, led by Cameron Johnson’s 29 points.
Meanwhile, the Memphis Grizzlies crushed the Toronto Raptors 155-126 behind Zach Edey’s 21 points and 16 rebounds.
