Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 31-point performance and Chet Holmgren’s highlight-reel dunk propelled the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 134-115 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers, ending their nine-game winning streak.
“Obviously, they’re a super talented group,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “A bunch of Hall of Famers over there, and we knew what the task was waking up this morning.”
Holmgren executed a self-assisted dunk in a pivotal third-quarter moment that ignited the Thunder’s momentum. Gilgeous-Alexander praised Holmgren’s athletic play, which spurred a 13-0 Oklahoma City run and established a double-digit lead for the remainder of the game.
“He’s 7 feet, so he’d better have that in him,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “I didn’t expect him to do it. I thought he was just going to step through and shoot. But it was tough.”
Holmgren, contributing 23 points to the win, described his dunk as an impromptu move more suited to a playground game.
“I don’t know where it came from, really, honestly,” Holmgren said. “That was like an at-the-park move … I guess it just happened.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City Thunder, Los Angeles Clippers Updates
The Thunder’s win, with Lu Dort adding 21 points, was marked by a 58.6% shooting accuracy from the field. This victory is part of a successful run for Oklahoma City, now second in the Western Conference and on a three-game winning streak, including a win against the Denver Nuggets.
James Harden led the Clippers with 23 points, while Paul George added 22. The Clippers struggled to contain the Thunder’s dynamic offense without forward Kawhi Leonard due to a hip injury.
“They did a good job of just attacking us,” Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said. “We couldn’t get back, we couldn’t get set, we couldn’t get matched, and they took advantage of that early.”
Former Thunder star and current Clippers reserve Russell Westbrook received a warm welcome from the Oklahoma City crowd, contributing 15 points and 13 rebounds.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City Thunder, Los Angeles Clippers Updates
Harden’s early struggles with shooting didn’t prevent the Clippers from narrowing a 14-point deficit to five by halftime. However, the Thunder’s strong performance in the second half, highlighted by Gilgeous-Alexander’s emphatic dunk, secured their win. Josh Giddey left the game with a sprained left ankle after a fall in the second quarter.
Looking ahead, the Clippers are set to host Boston, while the Thunder will face the Los Angeles Lakers, with both games scheduled for Saturday.
