Gilgeous-Alexander Scores 29 to Lead Thunder Past Rockets

In the team's final game before the All-Star break, OKC finished with five players in double figures, including a brand-new face.

All 13 of Oklahoma City's active players scored at least four points in Wednesday night's 133-96 rout over the Houston Rockets, led by 29 from NBA All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. All five of the Thunder's starters finished with a Plus/Minus of 15 or greater, with two bench players also notching Plus/Minus numbers over 20. 

As usual, Gilgeous-Alexander led the way for OKC, producing six assists, two rebounds, and two blocks in 29 minutes on the floor to go along with his points. He went 8-for-16 from the field and 13-of-15 from the free throw line, not seeing any action in a fourth quarter that saw Oklahoma City hold a near-40-point lead. 

When Gilgeous-Alexander drove to the basket, he was able to pick up a foul consistently. On other possessions, the Kentucky product utilized his midrange jumper to sink shots from the elbows. 

Second-year guard Josh Giddey also had a productive night against the Rockets, recording 13 points, six assists, three rebounds, one block and one steal. The 20-year-old Australian went 5-of-10 from the field and 3-of-4 from the charity stripe. 

Giddey scored multiple baskets in transition, jetting through an unset defense to the rim for multiple fastbreak finishes. Of course, the 2023 Rising Stars Challange participant showcased some of his patented dime passes as well. 

Rookie wing and fellow 2023 Rising Stars Challange participant Jalen Williams also pitched in 13 points, going 5-of-7 from the field, 1-for-2 from 3-point range and 2-for-2 from the free throw line. Williams grabbed four rebounds, dished out two assists and got one steal to go along with another massive dunk in OKC's blowout victory. 

Off the bench, newly acquired big man Dario Saric scored 12 points, grabbed five rebounds and tallied one steal, going 4-of-6 from the field in 14 minutes of action. The 28-year-old Croatian went 1-for-3 from beyond the arc and 3-for-3 from the free throw line in his Thunder debut.

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