On the second night of a back-to-back, the Oklahoma City Thunder edged the LA Clippers 134-128. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the charge with a career-high 45 points, sealing the win with clutch-time heroics.
Gilgeous-Alexander Shines with Career-High 45 Points
Shai was simply on fire.
He shot 13-for-21 from the field, nailed four of his eight threes, and was nearly perfect at the line, sinking 15 of 16 free throws. Adding nine assists, five steals, and two blocks, he did a bit of everything.
His all-around performance was key in holding off the Clippers’ late rally.
Jalen Williams’ All-Around Performance Boosts Thunder
Jalen Williams stepped up big time.
He poured in 28 points on just 16 shots, knocking down two of three from deep. Battling against Ivica Zubac, he grabbed eight boards, dished out six assists, and snagged two steals.
Williams’ versatility was a huge boost, helping the Thunder build that early 20-point lead.
Thunder’s Small-Ball Strategy Without Holmgren
With Chet Holmgren out, the Thunder went small.
Their starting lineup featured Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams, Luguentz Dort, Aaron Wiggins, and Isaiah Joe. This speedy group aimed to outpace the Clippers.
Right from the get-go, it paid off.
Williams stripped Zubac on the first possession, leading to a fast-break bucket. The small lineup caused havoc, forcing turnovers and pushing the pace.
| Thunder Starters | Clippers Starters |
|---|---|
| Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | James Harden |
| Jalen Williams | Norman Powell |
| Luguentz Dort | Terance Mann |
| Aaron Wiggins | Derrick Jones Jr. |
| Isaiah Joe | Ivica Zubac |
Sure, they gave up some size, but the energy and speed made up for it.
Clippers’ Late Surge Led by Powell Not Enough
Norman Powell tried to bring the Clippers back.
After a quiet first half with just two points, he exploded for 18 in the third quarter. Draining threes and attacking the rim, he finished with 31 points on 10-for-15 shooting.
But it wasn’t enough.
Powell fouled out with just over a minute left, which hurt their comeback attempt. The Clippers also struggled with turnovers, coughing it up 23 times.
Thunder’s Defense Forces 23 Clippers Turnovers
The Thunder’s defense was pesky all night.
They forced the Clippers into 23 turnovers, which turned into easy points on the other end.
Gilgeous-Alexander and Williams were active in passing lanes, each racking up multiple steals.
Key defensive stats:
- 23 turnovers forced
- 11 steals recorded
- 22 points off turnovers
Their defensive intensity set the tone and was a big reason for the win.
Looking Ahead to the Pelicans Matchup
Up next, the Thunder face the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday. It’s the third game of a six-game homestand.
They’ll look to keep the momentum going.
Facing the Pelicans will be another test for this young squad. Maintaining that defensive pressure will be crucial. Fans are excited to see if Shai can keep up his stellar play.
