Shai Gilgeous-Alexander hit the game-winning trey to nudge the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 129–126 win over the Denver Nuggets at home. It was a fitting end to a high-caliber back-and-forth between two contenders, who played true to form and battled it out from start to finish.
The game itself, aside from a potential playoff preview, featured a battle of the last two NBA MVPs in Gilgeous-Alexander and the Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic. The two delivered as expected, with SGA going off for 35 big points and the game-winner to go along with 9 rebounds and a career-high 15 assists. Jokic, on the other hand, put up 32 points, 14 rebounds, and 13 assists for his league-leading 24th triple-double and 188th of his NBA career.
Gilgeous-Alexander Sets Milestone
Aside from leading OKC to its sixth straight win, Gilgeous-Alexander also set a personal milestone by scoring at least 20 points for a 126th time, tying Wilt Chamberlain’s record, which the Stilt set from 1961 to 1963. SGA tied Chamberlain early in the third quarter.
Not surprisingly, the Thunder’s current six-game run coincides with Gilgeous-Alexander’s return from an abdominal strain that sidelined him for nine games.
Thunder Show Phenomenal Depth
Aside from the heroics of Gilgeous-Alexander, the story of the game was OKC’s enviable depth. With key players Chet Holmgren (illness), Isaiah Hartenstein (bruised left calf), Jalen Williams (strained right hamstring), and Alex Caruso (bruised left hip) all sidelined, multiple Thunder players stepped up to help the Western Conference leaders get the dub.
Stepping up big time, in particular, were Jaylin Williams and Ajay Mitchell, who fired 29 and 24 points, respectively. Isaiah Joe and Jaren McCain, a trade deadline acquisition, added 13 apiece.
The Thunder will be going for their seventh win in a row on Saturday when they take on the Boston Celtics. The Nuggets, meanwhile, will look to get back in the win column when they face the Houston Rockets on Friday.
