OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma City Thunder responded emphatically to a rare stumble, rolling past the Los Angeles Clippers 122–101 on Thursday night behind another dominant performance from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Gilgeous-Alexander poured in 32 points in just three quarters before sitting out the fourth, as the Thunder rebounded from last weekend’s loss to the San Antonio Spurs, which snapped their franchise-record 16-game winning streak. With the victory, Oklahoma City improved to 25–2 overall and remained perfect at home at 13–0.
The All-Star guard was once again efficient, connecting on 13 of 24 shots while adding seven rebounds and six assists. The outing marked his 98th straight game scoring at least 20 points, extending the second-longest such streak in NBA history.
Oklahoma City’s supporting cast delivered as well. Chet Holmgren finished with 22 points, and Jalen Williams added 20 as the Thunder showcased their depth and balance.
Los Angeles struggled mightily without James Harden, who sat out with a bruised left calf. The Clippers turned the ball over 28 times, leading directly to 39 Thunder points. Oklahoma City’s defense was relentless, recording 18 steals, including five by Cason Wallace, while committing just nine turnovers of its own.
Despite the loss, Kawhi Leonard scored 22 points and John Collins added 20 for the Clippers, who have now dropped five straight games and 10 of their last 11.
The Clippers controlled much of the first quarter and early second, but Oklahoma City seized momentum before halftime. Holmgren scored 18 first-half points on 7-of-10 shooting to help the Thunder take a 64–55 lead into the break.
The game broke open in the third quarter. Gilgeous-Alexander exploded for 19 points in the period as Oklahoma City shot 55.6% from the floor and outscored Los Angeles 39–28, pushing the margin to 103–83 entering the fourth and putting the contest out of reach.
Up Next:
The Clippers return home to host the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday. The Thunder hit the road to face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday.
