Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered another electrifying performance, tying his career high with 45 points to propel the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 120-114 win over the Indiana Pacers on Thursday night. The All-Star guard was near-flawless, shooting 15-of-22 from the field and sinking all 11 free throws in the Thunder’s ninth straight victory.
Gilgeous-Alexander also set a personal best with 16 points in the fourth quarter, cementing his reputation as one of the league’s most clutch performers. The Thunder rallied from a 15-point deficit in the first half and delivered a decisive 8-0 run late in the fourth quarter to take control of the game.
Miami Heat 97-104 Oklahoma City Thunder
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault praised Gilgeous-Alexander’s dominance, calling his performance a “masterpiece.“ “He was at his own pace the entire night,” Daigneault said postgame. “A great blend of passing and attacking, shooting and attacking. He just had total control of the wheel tonight.”
This marks Gilgeous-Alexander’s second consecutive 40-point game, having notched 41 against the Washington Wizards earlier in the week. He becomes the first Thunder player to achieve back-to-back 40-point games since Russell Westbrook did so in 2019. Other franchise legends who share this distinction include Kevin Durant, Paul George, and Dale Ellis.
Thunder overcome early deficit as Gilgeous-Alexander’s brilliance fuels ninth straight win
Jalen Williams added 20 points, while Isaiah Hartenstein contributed a double-double with 11 points and 13 rebounds to support Gilgeous-Alexander’s heroics. The Pacers, led by Andrew Nembhard with 23 points and Pascal Siakam with 22 points and 10 rebounds, saw their five-game winning streak snapped despite their strong start.
The Pacers held a 15-point lead in the first half and went into halftime up 61-53. The game remained tight in the second half, with Jarace Walker’s late three-pointer putting Indiana up 84-83 heading into the fourth quarter. However, the Thunder’s resilience proved too much as they surged ahead in the final minutes.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s performance is further evidence of his rise to superstardom. The 25-year-old guard continues to establish himself as one of the league’s most complete players, excelling in scoring, playmaking, and poise under pressure.
The Thunder, now riding their longest winning streak in five years, look poised to make waves in the Western Conference. With Gilgeous-Alexander leading the charge, Oklahoma City has firmly established itself as one of the most exciting teams to watch this season.
