Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Shines in Return, Leads OKC to Win Over Sacramento
The MVP candidate's 40 points led the way to gain a quality win at home, even against a formidable opponent in De'Aaron Fox.
Welcome back, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
In his return from a quad injury, the MVP candidate led the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 112-105 over the Sacramento Kings in a thrilling second half comeback.
Gilgeous-Alexander recorded an impressive stat line of 40 points, seven rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks on 11-of-22 shooting in his first game since March 31. It was a typical MVP-like performance from the 25-year-old, and encouraging in the final stretch before the playoffs begin.
Luguentz Dort's 18 points and Chet Holmgren's 15 rallied behind their leading scorer, giving equally quality supporting performances on the offensive and defensive end. The Kings were a tough matchup especially against De'Aaron Fox's own 33-point, eight-rebound and six-assist night, but managed to step up when it mattered most.
The Thunder had some momentum heading out of the first quarter, ending the first 12 minutes with a 31-28 score. Gilgeous-Alexander started his comeback at the free-throw line, with the duel against Fox beginning early on.
The second quarter became a much different game. Oklahoma City's offense completely plummeted, getting outscored by Sacramento 33-17. Although Gilgeous-Alexander scored a solid 14 points in the first half, it was simply outshot.
It put the Thunder at a supreme disadvantage heading into the second half, but one it still had time to correct.
Down 64-45 at the start of the third quarter, Oklahoma City made it a 70-58 game in just the first 3:52. Gilgeous-Alexander and Holmgren jumpstarted the run with a 3-pointer from each, gaining gain offensive push it had been seeking.
The Thunder continued rolling, making it a two-point game by the six-minute mark. The run quickly dissipated though, with it falling back down by 11 points just two minutes later. Luckily for Oklahoma City, it put together another string of quality offense and defense before the third quarter buzzer to come out of it only down by three points.
Then came the Thunder.
A Cason Wallace 3-pointer finally gave Oklahoma City its first lead of the game, 89-87. The fourth quarter turned into a bloodbath, with both sides going at it and getting to the free-throw line at a high rate.
Gilgeous-Alexander hit a tough fadeaway jumper to go up by three points and bring his point total to 36, followed up by knocking down a total of four free throws that secured the Thunder's victory.
Oklahoma City will follow up by facing the San Antonio Spurs (20-59) tomorrow night at 7:00 p.m. CT in their final meeting of the season.
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