The Knicks did all they could to silence Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
He attempted every shot with a hand in his air space during OKC’s home game against New York on Sunday. And while the Knicks’ ferocious, face-guarding defense kept him relatively quiet throughout the night, he made sure to get a word in when it mattered most.
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A screen by Alex Caruso allowed Gilgeous-Alexander to break away from OG Anunoby with just under four minutes left in regulation. The reigning MVP then stepped into a 3-pointer and drilled it, giving OKC a 9-point edge.
There was nothing New York could do to silence him in that moment, as Gilgeous-Alexander hollered while jogging up the floor. His bucket ultimately helped the Thunder earn a 111-100 home win.
Gilgeous-Alexander led OKC (59-16) with 30 points, four assists and three rebounds. He went 8 for 18 from the field (1 for 3 from deep).
OKC remains two games up on the San Antonio Spurs in the loss column atop the Western Conference standings with seven games left in the regular season.
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Here are three takeaways from the win:
Order new book on Thunder’s run to NBA title
Thunder vs Knicks live updates: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC host Jalen Brunson, New York
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Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) dribbles beside New York Knicks guard Mikal Bridges (25) during an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the New York Knicks at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Sunday, March 29, 2026.
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Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) dribbles beside New York Knicks guard Mikal Bridges (25) during an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the New York Knicks at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Sunday, March 29, 2026.
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Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein (55) dives for the ball beside New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) during an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the New York Knicks at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Sunday, March 29, 2026.
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Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell (25) dribbles beside New York Knicks guard Jordan Clarkson (00) during an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the New York Knicks at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Sunday, March 29, 2026.
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Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) dribbles beside New York Knicks guard Miles McBride (2) during an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the New York Knicks at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Sunday, March 29, 2026.
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Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell (25) drives between New York Knicks guard Mikal Bridges (25) and New York Knicks forward Og Anunoby (8) during an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the New York Knicks at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Sunday, March 29, 2026.
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Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) puts up a shot as New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (23) and guard Jalen Brunson (11) defend during an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the New York Knicks at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Sunday, March 29, 2026.
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Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jaylin Williams (6) drives to the baslet beside New York Knicks forward Og Anunoby (8) during an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the New York Knicks at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Sunday, March 29, 2026.
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Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jaylin Williams (6) puts up a shot beside New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (23) and guard Jordan Clarkson (00) during an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the New York Knicks at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Sunday, March 29, 2026.
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Caitlin Clark stands on set with NBC before an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the New York Knicks at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Sunday, March 29, 2026.
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Caitlin Clark stands on set with NBC before an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the New York Knicks at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Sunday, March 29, 2026.
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Caitlin Clark stands on set with NBC before an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the New York Knicks at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Sunday, March 29, 2026.
Lu Dort had a strong performance
True enforcers don’t have to force it.
That’s why Lu Dort rarely flexes his muscles during games. A look at the linebacker-like guard will already tell you he’s one of the strongest players on the floor.
But Dort made a rare exception late in the first quarter. OKC’s elite defensive weapon showed off the big guns after soaring through the air for a two-handed putback dunk, which left the entire basket shaking.
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That was one of the many highlight plays by Dort, who delivered a strong performance. He finished with 12 points on 4-for-7 shooting from the field (2 for 5 from deep), all while playing physical defense.
Sunday’s game marked the 24th time that Dort has scored double-digit points this season. OKC is 19-5 (.792) in those instances.
More: Chris Paul retired, but his impact on OKC Thunder’s SGA and Lu Dort is still seen
Jalen Williams kept his foot on the gas
Jalen Williams had already finished his all-out sprint toward the basket, which resulted in a tough layup over Mikal Bridges midway through the second quarter. And yet his heart was still racing.
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“And one!” he yelled as he spun around and stomped his feet, nearly tripping over a cameraman on the baseline in the process.
Williams ultimately apologized to him, but everyone else in his way Sunday night received no such sympathy. They were merely obstacles for the All-NBA forward, who drove past them without ever taking his foot off the gas.
Williams got downhill at will and finished with 22 points on 7-for-11 shooting from the field (1 for 1 from deep). He shined in what only marked his 30th game of the season after being sidelined by numerous injuries.
And with seven regular-season games remaining, Williams appears to be picking up speed entering the playoffs.
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More: OKC Thunder magic number to clinch top seed in West, NBA playoff picture
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jalen Williams (8) celebrates with Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) during an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the New York Knicks at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Sunday, March 29, 2026.
OKC cashed in at the free-throw line
Every bucket has to be earned when two elite defensive teams clash.
That was certainly during Sunday’s game between OKC and New York, who rank first and sixth in the NBA in defensive rating, respectively. And it made free throws even more valuable.
The overwhelming advantage in that department went to the Thunder, which aggressively attacked the rim and was rewarded. It went 31 for 38 (81.6%) from the free-throw line, while the Knicks went 13 for 17 (76.5%).
Gilgeous-Alexander set the tone for OKC. He went 13 for 16 from the charity stripe (81.3%).
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More: How OKC Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander became NBA’s most consistent player
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Caitlin Clark stands on set with NBC before an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the New York Knicks at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Sunday, March 29, 2026.
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Caitlin Clark stands on set with NBC before an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the New York Knicks at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Sunday, March 29, 2026.
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Caitlin Clark stands on set with NBC before an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the New York Knicks at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Sunday, March 29, 2026.
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Caitlin Clark stands on set with NBC before an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the New York Knicks at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Sunday, March 29, 2026.
Tip-ins
∎ Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has now scored at least 20 points in 135 straight games. It’s the longest streak in NBA history.
∎ OKC was without Thomas Sorber (right ACL surgical recovery).
∎ New York was without Ariel Hukporti (G League assignment), Dillon Jones (G League two-way) is out. Landry Shamet (right knee tibial plateau contusion) is out.
Justin Martinez covers the Thunder and NBA for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Justin? He can be reached at jmartinez@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @Justintohoops. Sign up for the Thunder Sports Minute newsletter to access more NBA coverage. Support Justin’s work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.
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Thunder vs. Pistons
TIPOFF: 8:30 p.m. CT Monday at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City (NBC Sports Network and Peacock)
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: SGA powers Thunder past Knicks as OKC keeps pace in NBA playoff race