Oklahoma City – In an impressive performance, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander recorded a personal best of 45 points, leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 134-128 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday evening. This match marked the Thunder’s first outing of the season without Chet Holmgren, who will be sidelined for a minimum of eight weeks due to a pelvic fracture sustained during a recent game against Golden State. Holmgren, at 7-foot-1, had emerged as one of the league’s most effective scorers and a top defender.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s standout night featured an efficient shooting display, hitting 13 of his 21 attempts from the field and converting an impressive 15 of 16 free throw opportunities, while also contributing nine assists to his team’s efforts. Jalen Williams supported the cause with 28 points, and Lu Dort added another 19 points for Oklahoma City. Despite the Thunder’s tallest starter being only 6-foot-6, they maintained a fast pace throughout the game, making only 11 turnovers, although they were outmatched in rebounding, being outdone 47-29.
On the Clippers’ side, Norman Powell was a prominent contributor, scoring 31 points before fouling out with just over a minute remaining in the game when his team was trailing by four. Ivica Zubac recorded a double-double with 22 points and 14 rebounds, while Derrick Jones Jr. chipped in with 20 points. James Harden, despite his struggles shooting just 5 of 15 from the floor, managed to compile 17 points, 11 rebounds, and nine assists but also faced foul trouble, finishing with five fouls.
The Thunder established a firm grip on the game, leading by as many as 20 points in the third quarter. However, the Clippers surged back when Powell sunk a fadeaway three-pointer at the end of the quarter, narrowing Oklahoma City’s lead to just 99-94 and keeping the contest competitive until the end.
Key insights from the game included the Clippers’ mishandling of the basketball, resulting in 24 turnovers that allowed Oklahoma City to capitalize with 32 points off those mistakes. Conversely, the Thunder’s depth proved vital, especially as several Clippers found themselves in foul trouble throughout the match.
A pivotal moment happened when Gilgeous-Alexander sank two free throws with only 22.7 seconds left on the clock, pushing his scoring to 45 points and securing a 132-128 lead for his team. Notably, Oklahoma City’s free throw efficiency was remarkable, making 22 of 23 attempts, compared to Los Angeles’s 20 of 29.
The upcoming schedule sees the Clippers set to take on the Houston Rockets on Wednesday, while the Thunder are set to host the New Orleans Pelicans on the same day.