Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) seems to be for a gap previous Denver Nuggets guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (5) within the second half of an NBA basketball recreation, Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, in Oklahoma Metropolis. (AP Photograph/Kyle Phillips)
OKLAHOMA CITY — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 34 factors to assist the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder beat the short-handed Denver Nuggets 105-100 on Wednesday night time in a matchup of groups close to the highest of the NBA Western Convention standings.
Denver star Nikola Jokic sat out due to ache in his decrease again. Oklahoma Metropolis took benefit of the two-time league MVP’s absence by holding the defending champion Nuggets to 39.8% taking pictures.
Oklahoma Metropolis’s MVP contender wasn’t certain he’d play, both. Gilgeous-Alexander was questionable however ended up together with his 14th recreation in January with a minimum of 30 factors.
“Coping with somewhat little bit of sickness, however I (felt) adequate to play, clearly,” he stated. “I wasn’t certain after I bought listed. I wasn’t certain whether or not I’d have the ability to go tonight earlier than the sport, earlier than a pair naps, couple sleeps. I had sufficient in me to go.”
SGA dropped 34 PTS within the Thunder’s thrilling win towards the Nuggets ⛈️ pic.twitter.com/ezIdP3W4Uv
— NBA (@NBA) February 1, 2024
Chet Holmgren had 18 factors, 13 rebounds and 5 blocks and reserves Aaron Wiggins and Vasilije Micic every added 12 factors for the Thunder.
Oklahoma Metropolis guard Jalen Williams, the staff’s No. 2 scorer this season, was out with a sprained proper ankle and reserve guard Isaiah Joe sat out with a bruised sternum.
“I simply thought the staff, like, solved issues collectively,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault stated. “It was an incredible staff win. We bought contributions from everyone. In a recreation that was clearly a grind, I used to be simply actually, actually impressed with the power that we had been in a position to faucet into tonight.”
The Thunder received the season collection 3-1 and averted their first three-game skid of the season. Oklahoma Metropolis outrebounded Denver 53-47 and outscored the Nuggets 20-11 on the free throw line.
Aaron Gordon had 16 factors, 13 rebounds and 7 assists for the Nuggets.
“I assumed he was simply phenomenal by way of the hassle and the aggression, the playmaking, the shot blocking, the protection,” Denver coach Michael Malone stated. “I imply, we requested numerous him tonight. … I assumed Aaron was simply, phenomenal throughout the board tonight. And, it’s unlucky that we weren’t in a position to get the win.”
Michael Porter Jr. added 15 factors and eight rebounds for the Nuggets.
Oklahoma Metropolis led 73-72 heading into the fourth and opened the interval on a 10-0 run, highlighted by a 3-pointer from Lu Dort. Holmgren’s one-handed putback of a missed 3-pointer by Cason Wallace put the Thunder forward 87-74.
Denver lower its deficit to 4 earlier than Gilgeous-Alexander scored on a 3-point play, then a 3-pointer, to place Oklahoma Metropolis up 10 with about 4 minutes remaining.
Denver stayed centered. Gordon’s one-handed dunk in visitors lower Oklahoma Metropolis’s result in 98-95, and a pair of free throws by Jamal Murray made it a one-point recreation.
Holmgren’s 3-pointer gave Oklahoma Metropolis a four-point lead with 22 seconds left. The Thunder then harassed Denver right into a five-second name and held on from there.
“Now we have guys on our staff need to win, and can do no matter it takes,” Gilgeous-Alexander stated. “And it doesn’t matter what’s happening, prior to now and future, all you are able to do is management the current. And I feel we did that tonight. We took it possession by possession. We gave it the whole lot we had these possessions, and it was sufficient to win, and we had been rewarded due to it.”
NEXT SCHEDULE
Nuggets: Host Portland on Friday night time.
Thunder: Host Charlotte on Friday night time.