Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 32 points before resting in the fourth quarter as the Oklahoma City Thunder (25-2) bounced back from a rare loss to defeat the Los Angeles Clippers (6-21) 122-101 on Thursday at Paycom Center.
Chet Holmgren added 22 points and Jalen Williams contributed 20, helping the Thunder recover from last Saturday’s defeat to San Antonio and maintain a perfect 13-0 home record. Oklahoma City committed just nine turnovers while forcing 28 from the Clippers, leading to 39 points off turnovers.
The Clippers, missing James Harden due to a bruised left calf, were led by Kawhi Leonard with 22 points and John Collins with 20. Los Angeles shot 49% overall but struggled from three-point range, making just 10 of 32 attempts.
Oklahoma City trailed early, with the Clippers holding the lead for most of the first quarter and part of the second, before Holmgren’s 18 first-half points helped the Thunder take a 64-55 lead at halftime. Gilgeous-Alexander scored 19 in the third as Oklahoma City outscored Los Angeles 39-28 to seize control.
Cason Wallace recorded five steals, contributing to Oklahoma City’s defensive dominance. Gilgeous-Alexander also had seven rebounds and six assists, extending his streak to 98 consecutive games with at least 20 points, the second-longest in NBA history.
The Thunder shot 48% from the field and 36% from three, while controlling the boards 38-49. The Clippers, meanwhile, have now dropped five straight and 10 of 11, struggling without Harden’s playmaking and offensive leadership.
Oklahoma City will visit the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday, while the Clippers host the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday.
