WASHINGTON (AFP) — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander matched his career high with 45 points to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder over the Indiana Pacers, 120-114, on Thursday, stretching their National Basketball Association win streak to nine games.
The 26-year-old Canadian guard made 15-of-22 shots from the floor, 4-of-5 from three-point range, and all 11 of his free throws while adding seven rebounds, eight assists, two blocked shots and a steal in a maestro performance.
“It’s the extra plays that put you over the edge,” Gilgeous-Alexander said.
“We have a group of guys that are hungry to do whatever it takes to win and that’s why we win.”
Jalen Williams added 20 points and Isaiah Hartenstein contributed 11 points and 13 rebounds for the Thunder in his 11th double-double of the season.
The Western Conference-leading Thunder are 24-5 and on a roll despite a loss in the NBA Cup final to Milwaukee that didn’t count against them in the regular season.
“The main thing is it’s genuine,” Hartenstein said.
“We’re not coming in trying to fake something. We really all support each other.”
“We’re not trying to put something on for the TV or for the world to see. We’re really supporting each other and I think that’s what makes it special.”
Andrew Nembhard led the host Pacers (15-16) with 23 points. Indiana took a 61-53 half-time lead before the Thunder struck in the second half and closed the game on a 17-7 run for the victory.
“We didn’t get off to the start we wanted,” Gilgeous-Alexander said.
“But that’s what good teams do, play through situations and because we did that we got the W.”
Gilgeous-Alexander, who set his career high of 45 points last month in a victory over the Los Angeles Clippers, sank a three-pointer to give Oklahoma City a 114-109 edge with 59 seconds remaining and sank six free throws in the final 36 seconds to seal the triumph.
