OKLAHOMA CITY – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 50 factors and the NBA-leading Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder routed the Phoenix Suns 140-109 on Wednesday evening to enhance to 40-9.
The Thunder stated Gilgeous-Alexander turned the ninth participant in NBA historical past to attain at the least 50 factors thrice in a seven-game span. He had a career-high 54 in opposition to Utah on Jan. 29 and 52 at Golden State every week in the past.
Phoenix’s Kevin Durant sat out with a sprained left ankle. The 36-year-old All-Star ahead stays 26 factors wanting 30,000 for his profession.
Oklahoma Metropolis’s followers nonetheless bought a present. A number of instances, they serenaded Gilgeous-Alexander with the “M-V-P! M-V-P!” chants as soon as reserved for Durant as the previous Thunder star watched from the Phoenix bench.
Bradley Beal led Phoenix with 25 factors, Devin Booker had 19 and Royce O’Neale 18. They’ve misplaced three in a row.
Phoenix led 63-61 at halftime, regardless of 28 factors from Gilgeous-Alexander.
The Thunder opened the second half on a 13-0 run to take a 74-63 lead. Gilgeous-Alexander’s steal and two-handed jam gave the Thunder an 81-65 benefit with 6:21 left within the third.
Gilgeous-Alexander scored his fiftieth level on a baseline jumper early within the fourth quarter to present Oklahoma Metropolis a 114-84 lead.
Takeaways
Suns: Oklahoma Metropolis scored 23 factors off Phoenix’s 22 turnovers, including to the problem of taking part in with out Durant. Booker failed to choose up the slack — making simply 3 of 9 discipline objectives.
Thunder: The league’s finest free throw capturing crew was good once more, making 24 of 27. Oklahoma Metropolis additionally made 40 of 60 photographs contained in the 3-point arc.
Key second
Oklahoma Metropolis’s Lu Dort stuffed Beal’s dunk try within the third quarter, then Gilgeous-Alexander made a layup on the different finish to make it 87-69.
Key stat
The Thunder dedicated simply six turnovers, with two within the remaining minute.
Up subsequent
Each groups play Friday evening. The Suns host Utah, and the Thunder host Toronto.
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