OKLAHOMA CITY –
With just eight games remaining in the regular season, the Oklahoma City Thunder passed another late-season test Monday night.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 30 points, and the Thunder pulled away in the fourth quarter to defeat the New York Knicks 111-100 at Paycom Center in what had the feel of a potential NBA Finals preview.
Oklahoma City led early behind Gilgeous-Alexander, who once again sparked the offense. The Thunder carried a narrow 59-54 lead into halftime before the game tightened throughout the third quarter.
Jalen Williams helped stabilize Oklahoma City during key stretches, finishing with 22 points on an efficient 7-of-11 shooting performance. He also went a perfect 7-for-7 from the free-throw line while continuing to build rhythm following his recent return.
New York made its push late. Karl-Anthony Towns converted a three-point play in the fourth quarter to cut the Thunder lead to one. But Oklahoma City quickly responded.
Alex Caruso knocked down a timely three-pointer, and moments later, Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the dagger with a clutch three to help seal the win.
After the game, Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said execution made the difference.
“It was a game that required a high level of execution and focus,” Daigneault said. “Even on a night where we didn’t score it crazy, I thought our intention on offense was really good.”
Gilgeous-Alexander credited the team’s defensive effort late.
“We just hunkered down defensively in the fourth quarter,” he said. “They threw zone at us in the fourth. It stalled us a little bit, but we still got quality possessions.”
Jalen Williams also continues to show progress as he works back toward full strength.
“Just getting back to being fully ready to go,” Williams said. “My minutes have gotten extended, and I’ve been able to play close to my normal stretch. Just rhythm.”
News 9’s Steve McGehee reported from Paycom Center that Oklahoma City once again showed its ability to win tight games.
“It wasn’t easy,” McGehee said. “But Oklahoma City is known for winning close games, and that was the case tonight.”
The win keeps Oklahoma City atop the Western Conference standings. The Thunder lead San Antonio by two and a half games with seven games remaining. The Spurs have won eight straight, keeping pressure on OKC in the race for the No. 1 seed.
The Thunder now face a busy stretch, hosting the Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons next, followed by a matchup with Luka Dončić, LeBron James and the Lakers later this week.
With the playoffs approaching and players getting healthy, Oklahoma City continues to position itself for another deep postseason run.