Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 26 points and dished out eight assists as the NBA-leading Oklahoma City Thunder edged the Los Angeles Clippers 103-101 on Sunday night.
Oklahoma City (59-12) extended its winning streak to six games despite missing key players Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren due to injuries. Aaron Wiggins contributed 19 points, while Alex Caruso added 14, including a crucial three-pointer in the final two minutes.
The Clippers (40-31) saw their five-game win streak snapped as Kawhi Leonard recorded 25 points and 10 rebounds. James Harden finished with 17 points but struggled from the field, shooting 4-for-14 and committing six turnovers.
Oklahoma City built a nine-point lead in the fourth quarter, but Los Angeles clawed back. Caruso’s late three-pointer gave the Thunder the lead, and the Clippers had a final chance to win. Harden hesitated before passing to Leonard, whose off-balance jumper missed as time expired.
Isaiah Hartenstein recorded a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds for the Thunder, while Jaylin Williams added 12 points off the bench. Oklahoma City finished the season series 4-0 against Los Angeles.
Despite shooting just 24.1% (7-for-29), Gilgeous-Alexander made up for it at the free-throw line, going 11-for-11. His playmaking helped the Thunder withstand the absence of Holmgren and Jalen Williams, their second- and third-leading scorers.
Leonard kept the Clippers competitive, but Harden’s struggles proved costly. His six turnovers included the crucial late-game mistake that led to the team’s final rushed possession.
Tyronn Lue returned to the Clippers’ bench after missing two games due to back pain. However, his team couldn’t overcome Oklahoma City’s defensive pressure and untimely mistakes.
Oklahoma City shot 40.2% from the field and 34.3% from three, while Los Angeles finished at 43.2% overall but just 30.8% from beyond the arc. The Thunder converted 85% of their free throws, a key difference in the tight contest.
With the win, Oklahoma City remains atop the Western Conference, strengthening its push for the league’s best record. The Clippers, currently eighth in the West, will look to bounce back as they continue to battle for playoff positioning.
