In Detroit, the Oklahoma City Thunder managed to secure a victory against the Detroit Pistons on Saturday night, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivering a standout performance by scoring 48 points.
Gilgeous-Alexander was highly efficient, shooting 17 of 26 from the field, including 4 of 6 from three-point range. He also contributed six assists and three steals, leading Oklahoma City to its ninth win in their last ten games.
Additional support came from Cason Wallace, who added 20 points, while Isaiah Hartenstein chipped in with 12 points and collected 10 rebounds for the Thunder.
On the Pistons’ side, Cade Cunningham encountered difficulties, tallying only 11 points with a 5-of-18 shooting performance. His night ended early when he was ejected from the game following disputes over officiating decisions late in the third quarter. Tobias Harris was the leading scorer for Detroit with 18 points, and Dennis Schroder, stepping in for Cunningham, contributed 17 points and 11 assists from the bench.
Despite being down 91-75, the Pistons mounted a challenge as Malik Beasley hit a buzzer-beater layup to end the third quarter. He later made a crucial three-pointer, narrowing Detroit’s deficit to 98-97 with just over four minutes remaining in the game.
However, Gilgeous-Alexander responded with decisive plays: a three-pointer, a runner in the lane, and a layup that stretched the lead to 106-100. He then assisted Wallace on a pivotal three-point shot that sealed the game for the Thunder.
Key moments of the game included Luguentz Dort leaving the court after slipping and being unable to participate in the final quarter and the Pistons being called for five technical fouls during the third quarter. Notably, Cunningham and Schroder received fouls during an intense exchange, allowing Oklahoma City to bolster its lead with crucial free throws.
In terms of gameplay statistics, the Pistons succeeded in shooting 50% from beyond the arc in the first half but trailed by one point at halftime. The Thunder took advantage on the offensive boards and forced more turnovers, which contributed to their narrow halftime lead and eventual victory.
Looking ahead, the Thunder will face Milwaukee on Sunday, while the Pistons are set to play in New Orleans on Monday.
