Gilgeous-Alexander Powers Oklahoma City Over Indiana After 40-Point Game
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander showcased his scoring prowess with 40 points, leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to a decisive 122-102 victory over the Indiana Pacers. The matchup highlighted the Thunder’s dominance at home, improving their record to 20-3 this season.
Game Overview: Thunder vs. Pacers
The Oklahoma City Thunder, currently first in the Western Conference with a record of 37-8, faced off against the Indiana Pacers, who sit at the bottom of the Eastern Conference with a record of 10-35. This game took place on a Friday evening at 8 p.m. EST in Oklahoma City.
Key Statistics
- Thunder’s Offensive Power: Oklahoma City averages 121.4 points per game, outscoring opponents by an average of 13.6 points.
- Shooting Performance: The Thunder boast a field goal percentage of 49.3%, marginally outperforming the Pacers’ defensive average of 48.3%.
- Pacers’ Struggles: Indiana has a challenging road record of 2-19 and a dismal 4-28 against teams with a winning record.
Previous Meetings
This matchup was the second encounter between the teams this season. In their first meeting on October 23, the Thunder triumphed in overtime with a score of 141-135. Gilgeous-Alexander was the standout performer with an astonishing 55 points, while the Pacers’ Bennedict Mathurin added 36 points.
Player Performances
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: Averaging 32 points and 6.3 assists per game.
- Chet Holmgren: Contributing an average of 15.0 points over the last 10 games.
- Jay Huff (Pacers): Shooting 46.9% with an average of 8.6 points per game.
Last 10 Games Comparison
| Team | Record | Points Per Game | Field Goal Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thunder | 7-3 | 118.0 | 48.6% |
| Pacers | 4-6 | 109.2 | 45.6% |
Injury Updates
Both teams faced various player injuries. For the Thunder:
- Ajay Mitchell: Day to day (hip)
- Jalen Williams: Out (thigh)
- Thomas Sorber: Out for the season (knee)
- Other players are day to day.
Meanwhile, the Pacers also reported injuries:
- Quenton Jackson: Day to day (ankle)
- Bennedict Mathurin: Day to day (thumb)
- Tyrese Haliburton: Out for the season (achilles)
As the Thunder continue to excel, their performance is a testament to their teamwork and offensive strategy, led by star player Gilgeous-Alexander.
