Shai Gilgeous-Alexander battled illness to deliver a masterclass, scoring 40 points as Oklahoma. City Thunder defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 113-105 Wednesday night at Paycom Center in an NBA Cup showdown.
Considered questionable before the tipoff, Gilgeous-Alexander shot 12 of 19 from the floor and 15 of 17 from the free throw line, knocking out one of his most impressive performances of the season.
Thunder relies on defense late
After Minnesota briefly took a 94-93 lead following a Naz Reid three, Oklahoma City clamped down defensively. Chet Holmgren’s third corner with 38 seconds left changed the momentum for good, and the Thunder outscored the Timberwolves 8-1 in the final minute.
OKC held Minnesota scoreless on three key possessions and forced costly turnovers, sealing a declared victory that had the intensity of a playoff game.
The historic beginning continues
The win marks Oklahoma City’s 10th straight victory and pushes the Thunder to 18-1, making them the fifth team in NBA history to reach that mark in 19 games. They also improved to 4-0 in West Group A of the NBA Cup.
The winner of Friday’s game between OKC and Phoenix will automatically advance to the round of 16.
SGA streak climbs all-time list
Gilgeous-Alexander has now scored at least 20 points in 91 consecutive games, the third-longest streak in NBA history. He can match Wilt Chamberlain’s second-place finish of 92 Friday against the Suns.
Holmgren delivers when it counts
Although he wasn’t at his best offensively for much of the night, Holmgren made the most important plays down the stretch, including the game-clinching three and several key rebounds.
“He didn’t have his fastball, but he made winning plays,” said head coach Mark Daigneault. “It’s mental toughness. It’s the move of the match.”
Minnesota disappears late
Anthony Edwards finished with 31 points and eight rebounds, but Minnesota lost its third straight game. The Wolves also struggled at the free throw line, making just 22 of 37.
Snapshot of the game progress
Thunder led 24-17 after a
OKC took a 49-39 halftime lead
Minnesota tied the game twice in the third before OKC entered the fourth with a 78-71 lead.
The bottom three defensemen and Holmgren’s elite defense closed the door
What it means
Oklahoma City remains firmly in control of its NBA Cup destiny and shows no signs of slowing down. Even on a night when their MVP was not feeling well, the Thunder found another speed and another way to win.
Next up: Thunder vs. Suns Friday night with the group title and place in the round of 16 on the line.
