Washington, DC—-Shai Gilgeous-Alexander showcased his ability to thrive even on an off-shooting night, scoring 16 of his 27 points from the free-throw line as the Oklahoma City Thunder crushed the Washington Wizards 136-95 on Sunday.
Despite struggling from the field, hitting just 29.4% of his shots (5 of 17) in 30 minutes—his worst shooting performance of the season—Gilgeous-Alexander’s relentless drives to the basket and knack for drawing fouls proved decisive. The Thunder, backed by the NBA’s top-ranked defense, extended their lead in the Western Conference and recorded their largest margin of victory this season.
Oklahoma City’s offensive output was bolstered by Aaron Wiggins, who contributed 23 points, Jalen Williams with 17, and Isaiah Hartenstein, who delivered a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds. The victory improved the Thunder’s record to 2-1 on their current four-game road trip.
For Washington, Corey Kispert led the team with 17 points. The Wizards, who hold the league’s worst record, were held under 100 points for the 17th time this season—a feat unmatched by any other team against a single opponent. Washington shot a dismal 33.7% from the field and just 19.6% from beyond the arc, further underlining their offensive struggles.
Game Highlights:
Thunder Takeaways
- Gilgeous-Alexander’s efficient free-throw shooting allowed him to sit out the fourth quarter for the second consecutive game. This came after his dominant 39-point outing against the Knicks on Friday, where he shot 15-of-21.
- Oklahoma City’s defense continued to shine, holding opponents to under 100 points in more games than any other team this season.
Wizards Takeaways
- Jordan Poole’s streak of 59 consecutive games with at least one made 3-pointer came to an end, setting back a franchise milestone.
- Washington’s inability to capitalize offensively led to their most lopsided loss of the season.
Pivotal Moment:
Late in the first quarter, with the game still close, Gilgeous-Alexander drained his lone 3-pointer of the night. This sparked a dominant 24-6 run that gave the Thunder a commanding 51-31 lead midway through the second quarter—a deficit the Wizards could not overcome.
Key Statistic:
By the end of the third quarter, Gilgeous-Alexander had nearly matched the Wizards’ total free-throw attempts, taking 17 to Washington’s 21.
What’s Next:
The Wizards return home to face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday, while the Thunder wrap up their road trip in Philadelphia on Tuesday.
