Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 31 Points Propel Oklahoma City Thunder to Victory Over Clippers, Ending Nine-Game Winning Streak

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 31 points, and Chet Holmgren’s spectacular self-assisted dunk played a pivotal role as the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Clippers 134-115 on Thursday night, putting an end to Los Angeles’ nine-game winning streak.

In the third quarter with the Thunder trailing by a point, Holmgren’s memorable play, where he pump-faked Ivica Zubac at the free-throw line and threw down a two-handed jam off the backboard to himself, ignited a 13-0 run. Oklahoma City maintained a double-digit lead for the rest of the game.

Holmgren finished with 23 points, and Lu Dort contributed 21 as the Thunder shot an impressive 58.6% from the field, securing their fifth win in six games. The Thunder, currently in second place in the Western Conference standings, demonstrated their prowess by defeating one of the league’s star-studded teams.

James Harden scored 23 points, and Paul George added 22 for the Clippers, who hadn’t suffered a loss since November 30. Kawhi Leonard was absent due to a bruised right hip.

Former Thunder star Russell Westbrook received a warm welcome from the crowd when he entered the game as a reserve for the Clippers. Westbrook finished with 15 points and 13 rebounds.

Despite an injury to guard Josh Giddey, who left the game with a sprained left ankle, the Thunder displayed resilience, securing a decisive victory that ended the Clippers’ impressive winning streak.