Regardless that the OKC gamers and coach say that their profitable components is all about taking part in as a group, they’ve positively relied on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander main the cost. The Thunder have now prolonged their nine-game-winning streak impressed by a 45-point show by their star guard.
The Canadian celebrity tied his own-career excessive in factors final night time, as Oklahoma Metropolis beat Indiana 120-114 on the highway. Shai made 15-of-22 photographs from the ground, plus 4-of-5 from past the arc, and all 11 of his free throws whereas including 7 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 blocks and one steal in a masterful and exact show.
“It’s the additional performs that put you over the sting,” Gilgeous-Alexander shared in his postgame interview. “Now we have a bunch of fellows which can be hungry to do no matter it takes to win and that’s why we win.”
SGA PULLS UP FOR 39 🔥
Places OKC up 5 within the final minute on NBA TV! pic.twitter.com/CBfnUnIFv5
— NBA (@NBA) December 27, 2024
Nonetheless, he wasn’t the one one making sturdy contributions to their sturdy win over the Pacers, as Jalen Williams sunk 20 factors and Isaiah Hartenstein posted 11 factors and 13 rebounds for his eleventh double-double of the marketing campaign.
The Thunder at the moment are main the Western Convention standings with a 24-5 document, and proceed to be on a roll regardless of having misplaced the NBA Cup remaining to the Bucks, which didn’t depend in opposition to them as a regular-season mark.
“The principle factor is it’s real,” Hartenstein stated the victory. “We’re not coming in attempting to pretend one thing. We actually all assist one another. We’re not attempting to place one thing on for the TV or for the world to see. We’re actually supporting one another and I believe that’s what makes it particular.”
The Pacers, who’re 15-16 within the Jap Convention, had been led by Andrew Nembhard and his 23 factors. The Indiana group even took a 61-53 lead at half-time, earlier than OKC struck late within the recreation with a 17-7 run for the win.
The Thunder star reached his career-high 45 factors with clutch photographs from past the arc and 6 free throws within the remaining 36 seconds to seal the sport
Regardless of Shai’s spectacular finish to the sport, he admits they weren’t centered when the match started. “We didn’t get off to the beginning we wished,” Gilgeous-Alexander stated. “However that’s what good groups do, play via conditions and since we did that we bought the W.”
The guard’s career-high 45 factors included clutch photographs from vary and the free-throw line, to lastly edge the Pacers 114 to 109. “It feels good, however that’s what the work is about,” he stated.
“It went in as a result of I took the shot. Prior to now, I in all probability would have gotten discouraged lacking one and never capturing it, however I want to assume I’ve grown a bit, sufficient to belief in my work, take a shot, keep true to it and it paid off tonight,” the Canadian defined. “Nevertheless it’s about persevering with to push ahead. I’m going to overlook some and I’m going to make some. You’ve all the time bought to remain capturing.”
