Shai Gilgeous-Alexander erupted for 48 points to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder past the Detroit Pistons 113-107 on Saturday night. The Western Conference leaders secured their ninth win in ten games, improving to 55-12.
Gilgeous-Alexander was dominant, shooting 17-of-26 from the field and 4-of-6 from deep while adding six assists and three steals. Cason Wallace contributed 20 points, and Isaiah Hartenstein posted a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds.
Detroit struggled offensively, with Cade Cunningham finishing with just 11 points on 5-of-18 shooting before being ejected late in the third quarter. Tobias Harris led the Pistons with 18 points, and Dennis Schroder provided 17 points and 11 assists off the bench.
The Pistons trailed by as many as 16 but made a late push, cutting the deficit to 98-97 with 4:16 remaining after a Malik Beasley three-pointer. Gilgeous-Alexander responded with seven straight points before setting up Wallace for a dagger three.
Oklahoma City suffered an injury setback as Luguentz Dort exited late in the third quarter after slipping on the court. He did not return for the fourth quarter.
The Pistons were assessed five technical fouls in the third quarter, including two on Cunningham, leading to his ejection.
The Thunder capitalized on extra possessions, winning the offensive rebounding battle 7-2 in the first half and forcing 11 turnovers. Despite shooting just 22.7% from three in the opening half, Oklahoma City led 55-54 at the break.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s 48-point explosion marked his fourth game this season with at least 40 points, further strengthening his MVP case.
Oklahoma City remains atop the Western Conference, while Detroit, now 37-31, continues its fight for playoff positioning in the East.
