In a thrilling showdown, the NBA's scoring leader delivered a standout performance, propelling the Oklahoma City Thunder to a decisive victory over the Houston Rockets. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander showcased his scoring prowess by finishing with at least 40 points for the ninth time in the 2024-25 season. The game, held at the Thunder's home court, saw Gilgeous-Alexander achieve a career milestone by reaching 50 points for the first time, securing a 132-120 advantage with just under three minutes left on the clock.
Gilgeous-Alexander's remarkable performance included making 18 of 30 field goals and excelling from beyond the arc with 5 of 9 successful 3-pointers. Demonstrating his versatility and precision, he also converted all 10 of his free throws. According to ESPN Research, this marks the shortest span in NBA history for a player to record their first four career 50-point games, all within the past seven weeks.
A pivotal moment unfolded when Oklahoma City took charge in the third quarter. Despite Houston's early nine-point lead in the second quarter, Gilgeous-Alexander's offensive dominance led the Thunder to a narrow halftime lead of 63-62, thanks to his 28 points. The third quarter saw Oklahoma City extend their lead to 102-89, with Gilgeous-Alexander contributing significantly by reaching 45 points by the period's end.
Jalen Williams also made a notable contribution to the Thunder's victory, adding 24 points. Meanwhile, Houston struggled without several key players due to injuries, including Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson, Dillon Brooks, Fred VanVleet, and Tari Eason. Despite these setbacks, Cam Whitmore matched career highs with 27 points and 11 rebounds, while Reed Sheppard achieved a career-best 25 points.
The Rockets mounted a final push, narrowing the gap to six points before the Thunder regained control. Lu Dort’s back-to-back 3-pointers extended Oklahoma City's lead to 120-106, providing a cushion that proved crucial in securing the win.
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