The Oklahoma City Thunder continued their push for the NBA’s best record Sunday night, defeating the New York Knicks 111-100 at Paycom Center behind a 30-point performance from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Gilgeous-Alexander delivered his strongest stretch in the fourth quarter, scoring 10 points while converting all three of his field goal attempts.
The Thunder guard finished 8-of-18 from the field and 13-of-16 at the free-throw line. His scoring output extended his NBA record streak of consecutive games with at least 20 points to 135.
Oklahoma City improved to 59-16 and has now won 14 of its last 15 games. The Thunder remain 2½ games ahead of the San Antonio Spurs in the race for the league’s best record with eight games remaining.
Jalen Williams provided efficient scoring with 22 points on 7-of-11 shooting. He also went 7-of-7 from the free-throw line in one of his most complete performances since returning from injuries earlier this season.
Williams missed the first 19 games with a wrist injury and later sat out another 26 with a strained right hamstring.
Chet Holmgren added 16 points and nine rebounds while Isaiah Hartenstein anchored the interior with 13 rebounds.
The Thunder finished with a major edge at the free-throw line. Oklahoma City attempted 38 free throws and made 31, while New York scored just 13 points from the line.
Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 32 points on 13-of-22 shooting. The All-Star guard kept New York within reach through three quarters but received limited offensive support late.
Karl-Anthony Towns recorded 15 points and 18 rebounds, giving the Knicks a strong presence on the glass.
Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges each scored 15 points, while Hart hit a deep three-pointer at the halftime buzzer that cut Oklahoma City’s lead to 53-52.
The third quarter proved decisive for the Thunder.
A steal and transition layup by Williams pushed Oklahoma City ahead 59-54 and energized the home crowd. The Thunder gradually built separation and entered the fourth quarter leading 84-78.
New York trimmed the deficit to one point early in the final period, but the Knicks never regained the lead.
Gilgeous-Alexander then controlled the closing minutes with aggressive drives and steady free-throw shooting.
Oklahoma City shot 47% from the field and collected 10 steals while forcing 18 New York turnovers.
The Knicks fell to 48-27 and remain third in the Eastern Conference standings. They trail the Boston Celtics by 2½ games for second place with eight games left in the regular season.
New York also dropped its second straight game after previously winning seven in a row.
The Thunder will return to action Monday night when they host the Detroit Pistons. The Knicks continue their road trip Tuesday with a matchup against the Houston Rockets.
