Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 31 points and the Oklahoma City Thunder rallied late to beat the Sacramento Kings 107-101 on Tuesday night, staying undefeated at 5-0 despite being short-handed. SGA extends his streak of 20-point games to 77.
The reigning MVP struggled through a cold third quarter, going just 1-of-9 from the field, but delivered again when it mattered shooting 4-of-6 with nine points in the fourth to seal another comeback win for the defending NBA champions.
“Just the DNA of this team,” Gilgeous-Alexander said after the win. “We understand how to win basketball games. It wasn’t going our way for most of the night, but this team knows how to win when it’s time, and we showed it tonight.”Balanced Effort Carries the Champs
Oklahoma City was missing Chet Holmgren (back soreness), Jalen Williams (wrist recovery) and Isaiah Joe (knee bruise), but still found enough offense down the stretch. Aaron Wiggins and AJay Mitchell each scored 18 points, combining for clutch shooting in the fourth quarter.
Wiggins also made key defensive plays late, while Lu Dort hit the go-ahead three with under two minutes remaining. “The champs are relentless when it comes to winning time,” said News 9’s Toby Rowland. “They delivered again.”
Alex Caruso, playing his best game since returning from injury, buried the dagger three-pointer with 46 seconds left to make it 104-99. Gilgeous-Alexander’s stepback triple moments later extended the lead to six.
Veteran Poise from a Young Core
AJay Mitchell’s steady hand once again stood out 18 points, seven rebounds, and strong execution as a secondary ball-handler. The second-year guard continued to show maturity beyond his experience, keeping the offense steady through Sacramento’s runs.
“This group has a confidence about them,” reporter Steve McGehee said postgame. “They’ve been in pressure cookers in five straight games, and they keep finding ways to win.”