In a thrilling matchup, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander showcased his scoring prowess by tying his career high with 45 points, leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 120-114 victory over the Indiana Pacers. This win marked the Thunder's ninth consecutive victory, with Gilgeous-Alexander contributing significantly by shooting 15 of 22 from the field and sinking all 11 of his free throw attempts. His performance included a remarkable 16 points in the fourth quarter, highlighting his ability to perform under pressure.
This impressive feat makes Gilgeous-Alexander the first Thunder player to achieve consecutive 40-point games since Russell Westbrook accomplished the same in 2019. The franchise has seen only a handful of players reach this milestone, including notable names like Paul George and Kevin Durant. Thunder coach Mark Daigneault praised Gilgeous-Alexander's performance, calling it a 'masterpiece' and noting his ability to control the game while effectively involving his teammates.
Alongside Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams added 20 points, and Isaiah Hartenstein contributed with a double-double of 11 points and 13 rebounds. For the Pacers, Andrew Nembhard led the scoring with 23 points, while Pascal Siakam recorded a solid performance with 22 points and 10 rebounds. Despite a strong start and a lead of 15 points in the first half, the Pacers were unable to maintain their momentum, ultimately snapping their five-game winning streak.
