Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered an outstanding 40-point performance, including a critical 17-point surge in the third quarter. During Friday’s NBA action, this propelled the Oklahoma City Thunder to a commanding 119-93 victory over the Denver Nuggets.
This marked Gilgeous-Alexander’s fifth game this season, scoring 40 or more points, nearing his career-high score from the previous season. His efficiency was on full display, with a 14-20 shooting success rate and a perfect record at the free-throw line.
“It’s not a fluke they won the championship,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “They’re a really good team, and we know that every night we play them. You get out of bed to play against teams like that, knowing they’re at the level that you want to get to.”
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault lauded Gilgeous-Alexander for his effortless play and his ability to let the game naturally unfold. The victory marks Oklahoma City’s third consecutive win and eighth in the last ten games, pushing them ahead of Denver in the Northwest Division standings.
“He was just cruising. He let the game come to him,” Daigneault said. “It never seemed like he was forcing. Played the right way throughout, made the right passes, kept them honest. It’s kind of routine at this point but he played a great game.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder, Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets Updates
Meanwhile, the Nuggets saw their six-game winning streak end, marking only their third home game loss this season, with two of those defeats at the hands of the Thunder.
Chet Holmgren was another standout for the Thunder, scoring the team’s first 10 points and finishing with 24, including a perfect 4-4 from beyond the arc. His defensive prowess was also on display with two blocks, adding to his impressive eight-block performance against the Nuggets earlier in December.
“You’ve got to be clean with the ball, you can’t play in a crowd,” Malone said of the turnovers. “It’s something they do to most teams, but you’re not going to give yourself a chance to win when you allow them to play to their strength.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder, Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets Updates
Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 19 points, continuing his efficient shooting streak by making 9 of 10 shots. Despite this, Jokic struggled with turnovers, nearing his career-high with seven in this game. The Thunder pulled away in the second half, with a 19-4 run in the third quarter and Gilgeous-Alexander’s 11 points later in the period solidifying their lead.
The Nuggets attempted a comeback, narrowing the gap to 15 points, but the Thunder’s consistent three-point shooting, including contributions from Jalen and Kenrich Williams, maintained their dominant lead. Denver’s final push was thwarted as Holmgren sank his fourth three-pointer of the night, sealing the Thunder’s victory.
Looking ahead, the Thunder will host the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday night, while the Nuggets are set to face the Charlotte Hornets on Monday.
