Shai Gilgeous-Alexander returned from injury to drop 40 points and lead the Oklahoma City Thunder (54-25) to a remarkable 112-105 comeback victory over the Sacramento Kings (45-34) on Tuesday night.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s electrifying performance, following a six-game absence due to a bruised right thigh, proved pivotal as the Thunder erased a 20-point deficit to secure a crucial win in the Western Conference playoff race.
The Thunder star’s return couldn’t have come at a better time, with Oklahoma City trailing the Minnesota Timberwolves by just one game for the top spot in the West with four games left in the regular season.
Lu Dort provided support with 18 points, while Chet Holmgren added 15 points and nine rebounds for OKC.
Despite a valiant effort from De’Aaron Fox (33 points) and Keon Ellis (career-high 26 points), the Kings couldn’t withstand Gilgeous-Alexander’s offensive onslaught.
Sacramento, currently sitting eighth in the West, squandered a commanding halftime lead as Gilgeous-Alexander ignited a furious third-quarter rally, scoring 17 points to trim the deficit and set the stage for Oklahoma City’s comeback.
The Kings’ double-double machine, Domantas Sabonis, saw his remarkable streak of 61 consecutive games with a double-double come to an end, marking a bittersweet night for Sacramento.
