Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a stellar performance with 29 points and eight assists as the Oklahoma City Thunder cruised to a 116-98 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday night. The win marked the Thunder’s franchise-record 13th consecutive regular-season victory and solidified their position as one of the NBA’s hottest teams with a 28-5 record.
Despite trailing by 16 points in the first half, Oklahoma City closed the gap to 52-48 at halftime, thanks to Jalen Williams’ buzzer-beating runner. The Thunder erupted for 42 points in the third quarter, turning a four-point deficit into an 18-point lead heading into the final period.
Gilgeous-Alexander, who played just 30 minutes and sat out the fourth quarter, spearheaded the comeback after a slow start for Oklahoma City.
Jalen Williams added 18 points, while Isaiah Hartenstein contributed 11 points, nine rebounds, and six assists. The Thunder’s depth proved pivotal, with Oklahoma City’s bench combining for 50 points and multiple key defensive stops.
The Clippers struggled without James Harden, who was sidelined with a late injury. Amir Coffey led Los Angeles with 26 points, shooting 10-of-14 from the field, including six three-pointers. However, Norman Powell, averaging a career-high 24.3 points this season, endured a dismal outing, going 1-for-11 from the field and finishing with six points.
Oklahoma City capitalized on Los Angeles’ offensive woes, generating 11 steals to boost their league-leading total. A decisive 23-5 run early in the third quarter, sparked by Williams’ six quick points, shifted the momentum entirely in the Thunder’s favor.
The Clippers, now 19-15 on the season, were further hampered by poor shooting from beyond the arc, converting only 34.4% of their three-point attempts. The absence of Kawhi Leonard and Terance Mann further limited their ability to counter Oklahoma City’s surging offense.
With this win, the Thunder have now won 17 of their last 18 games, solidifying their standing as Western Conference contenders.
