Shai Scores 37, Leads NBA-Best Thunder to Avenge Sole Defeat
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander showcased his remarkable skill by scoring 37 points as the Oklahoma City Thunder triumphed over the Portland Trail Blazers with a decisive score of 122-95. This victory allowed the Thunder to avenge their only defeat of the season.
Thunder’s Impressive Season Record
With this win, the Thunder improved their record to an NBA-best 17-1, marking their ninth consecutive victory. This stellar performance is historic, aligning them with only four other teams in the past three decades to start a season with such a record.
- Cleveland Cavaliers (2022)
- Golden State Warriors (2015)
- Dallas Mavericks (2002)
- Chicago Bulls (1996)
Gilgeous-Alexander’s Stellar Performance
Gilgeous-Alexander shot an impressive 13 out of 18 from the field, including 2-of-3 from beyond the arc, and converted all nine of his free throw attempts. Additionally, he contributed seven assists, five rebounds, and two steals.
Team Contributions
Ajay Mitchell, a key player off the bench, added 20 points with a perfect shooting night, going 8-for-8 and 2-of-2 from three-point range. He emphasized the importance of maintaining readiness throughout the game.
Isaiah Hartenstein also played a significant role, collecting 15 rebounds and helping the Thunder maintain their undefeated home record of 7-0.
Other Notable NBA Highlights
In other games, the Los Angeles Lakers defeated Utah 108-106, extending their win streak to four games with Luka Doncic scoring 33 points. LeBron James returned to action, contributing 17 points.
Across the league, several other standout performances included:
- Donovan Mitchell of Cleveland, scoring 37 points in a win against the Clippers.
- Jaylen Brown leading Boston with 35 points over Orlando.
- Dillon Brooks with 25 points for the Suns against San Antonio.
A recent report indicated Kevin Durant will miss the upcoming games due to personal matters, and Denver’s Aaron Gordon faces a hamstring strain that could sideline him for four to six weeks.
Conclusion
The Oklahoma City Thunder’s dominant performance not only solidified their position at the top of the NBA standings but also showcased Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s prowess on the court. As the season unfolds, fans eagerly anticipate how this team’s momentum will continue to build.
