Shai Gilgeous-Alexander reached a career milestone with a 45-point performance, propelling the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 134-128 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday night.
Playing without Chet Holmgren, sidelined with a pelvic fracture, Oklahoma City leaned heavily on Gilgeous-Alexander, who contributed nine assists and shot 15-for-16 from the free-throw line.
The Thunder, now 9-2, compensated for Holmgren’s absence with speed and precision, despite fielding no starters over 6-foot-6. Oklahoma City turned up the offensive tempo and committed only 11 turnovers, although they were outrebounded 47-29.
Alongside Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams added 28 points, and Lu Dort chipped in 19, adding firepower against a competitive Clippers team.
Norman Powell led Los Angeles with 31 points but fouled out in the game’s closing moments, limiting the Clippers’ comeback efforts.
Ivica Zubac and Derrick Jones Jr. stepped up with 22 and 20 points, respectively, while James Harden delivered a near triple-double with 17 points, 11 rebounds, and nine assists, albeit shooting just 5-for-15 from the field.
The Thunder’s fast-paced approach allowed them to build a lead as large as 20 points by the third quarter. However, the Clippers closed the gap with Powell’s 3-pointer at the end of the third, bringing the score to 99-94. The final quarter remained tight, with both teams trading leads before Oklahoma City secured the win.
Gilgeous-Alexander hit two critical free throws with 22.7 seconds left to lock in the Thunder’s victory and set his career high.
