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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scores 40 points while ill, leads Thunder to 10th straight win

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OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 40 points despite being ill and the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 113-105 on Wednesday night in an NBA Cup Game. Gilgeous-Alexander, who was listed as questionable on the injury report, made 12 of 19 field goals and 15 of 17 free throws. Oklahoma City won its 10th straight and became just the fifth team in NBA history to start a season 18-1. The Thunder improved to 4-0 in West Group A and are well-positioned to reach the knockout round. Gilgeous-Alexander has scored at least 20 points in 91 consecutive games, the third-longest streak in NBA history behind two streaks by Wilt Chamberlain. Gilgeous-Alexander can match Chamberlain’s second-place run of 92 straight on Friday against Phoenix. Anthony Edwards had 31 points and eight rebounds and kept the Timberwolves in the game by making several difficult shots, but couldn’t stop Minnesota from losing its third straight. Minnesota made just 22 of 37 free throws. It was a rematch of the Western Conference finals series last season that the Thunder won 4-1. Last time the Timberwolves visited the Paycom Center, they got beat 124-94 in Game 5 as the Thunder clinched the West. Oklahoma City’s Kenrich Williams, who had not played this season because of a left knee injury, got his first action in the first quarter. The Thunder led 24-17 at the end of the opening quarter. It was Minnesota’s second-lowest point total in any quarter this season. Gilgeous-Alexander scored 19 points in the first half to help the Thunder take a 49-39 lead. Minnesota rallied in the third quarter and tied it at 54 and again at 56, but the Thunder took a 78-71 lead into the fourth. Minnesota was within one in the final minute after Edwards made a contested 3-pointer, but Chet Holmgren’s corner three put the Thunder up four with 38 seconds remaining. Oklahoma City outscored Minnesota 8-1 in the last 60 seconds. Up next Timberwolves: Host Boston on Saturday. Thunder: Host Phoenix on Friday night. ___ AP NBA:.
https://mymotherlode.com/sports/basketball-game-stories/10236020/shai-gilgeous-alexander-scores-40-points-while-ill-leads-thunder-to-10th-straight-win.html

Thunder continue comeback ways with win vs Grizzlies

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The Oklahoma City Thunder followed up Isaiah Hartenstein’s career night with an impressive near 20-point comeback against the Memphis Grizzlies. The Thunder erased a 19-point deficit, closing the gap to just 38 points in the second half of a 114-100 victory. This win finished off their four-game road trip with a strong 3-1 record, improving Oklahoma City’s league-best mark to 10-1.

Sunday’s 19-point comeback is the Thunder’s fourth-largest since 2022, showcasing their resilience and depth. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continued his stellar form, extending his streak of 30-plus point games to seven straight—his tenth in 11 outings—by putting up 35 points on 11-of-22 shooting. He also went 10-for-11 from the free-throw line and 3-for-9 from beyond the arc, complementing his scoring with seven rebounds, six assists, and two blocks.

Ajay Mitchell and Chet Holmgren also shone brightly for the Thunder. Mitchell scored 21 points, marking his fourth 20-plus point performance this season. Holmgren matched that output with 21 points as well, making it his third 20-plus point game in just seven appearances. Isaiah Hartenstein added to his impressive streak, recording his third consecutive double-double with 18 points and 13 rebounds, his seventh double-double of the season.

The Thunder’s dominance over the Grizzlies continues to grow, as this win extends their head-to-head winning streak to 14 consecutive games, including last year’s first-round 4-0 playoff sweep. Achieving this feat without two starters, Jalen Williams and Lu Dort, in the final game of a tough four-game road trip speaks volumes about Oklahoma City’s depth and determination.

The team will enjoy a day off before returning home to the Paycom Center for back-to-back games against the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers, starting Tuesday.

### Thunder Guards Step Up Amid 10-1 Start as Defending Champions

The Thunder’s guard rotation has been a key factor in their scorching 10-1 start to the season. Ajay Mitchell continues to impress in just his second year in the NBA. With Lu Dort sidelined for his third consecutive game due to an upper back injury, Mitchell has started three straight games and has risen to the challenge on both ends of the floor.

Mitchell functions as a second facilitator in the backcourt alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, providing strong defense and consistent production. Through 12 games in his sophomore season, Mitchell is averaging 16.8 points, 4.1 assists, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game.

Cason Wallace has also earned his role in the starting lineup amid Jalen Williams’ absence. Wallace leads the NBA in steals per game with 2.6, while averaging 9.6 points on 45.6% shooting, including an impressive 42.5% from three-point range, along with 3.8 rebounds per contest.

Meanwhile, Isaiah Joe has made a strong impact after missing the first seven games of the regular season. He is averaging 16.6 points on 48.2% shooting, including 44.4% from deep, and pulling down 4.0 rebounds per game.

With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning NBA MVP, scoring champion, and league-leading scorer, averaging 32.7 points per game, the Thunder’s guard corps is firing on all cylinders. This impressive backcourt depth and performance could not have come at a better time as Oklahoma City kicks off its 2025-26 campaign in pursuit of a repeat championship.
https://clutchpoints.com/nba/oklahoma-city-thunder/thunder-news-continues-comeback-ways-win-grizzlies