Young OKC stars put the league on notice after shutting down almost every super star this season

Thunder's Thunderous Triumph: Gilgeous-Alexander's Heroics Secure 5th Straight Win

In a clash of titans, the Oklahoma City Thunder emerged victorious against the NBA-leading Boston Celtics, securing their fifth consecutive win. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's exceptional performance, scoring 36 points, propelled the Thunder to a 127-123 triumph on Tuesday night.


Dominating Streak Continues


The Thunder's recent surge sees them clinch victory in eight of their last nine games, placing them second in the competitive Western Conference with a stellar 23-9 record. Notable wins include dominating the Minnesota Timberwolves and toppling the defending champion Denver Nuggets twice on the road.

A Rising Contender

Oklahoma City, boasting the league's fourth-best record, has demonstrated prowess in both offensive and defensive aspects, ranking third in net rating (plus-8.5), fourth in defensive rating (110.7), and fifth in offensive rating (119.2). The Thunder's youthful roster, with an average age ranking them second-youngest in the NBA, has quickly evolved into a formidable force.

Gilgeous-Alexander's Brilliance

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the league's third-leading scorer, showcased his skills with a spectacular 36-point performance on 14-of-22 shooting. Despite a late surge by the Celtics, Gilgeous-Alexander's crucial plays in the fourth quarter, including a key assist to Chet Holmgren for a 3-pointer, solidified the Thunder's victory.


Coach's Perspective

Thunder coach Mark Daigneault praised the team's resilience, describing the game as "sloppy" in the final minutes but commending their ability to make big plays down the stretch. Daigneault highlighted Gilgeous-Alexander's versatility, emphasizing his impact beyond scoring.

Humble Confidence

Despite their impressive run, the Thunder remain focused on continuous improvement. Rookie of the Year front-runner Chet Holmgren emphasized the team's commitment to winning and acknowledged the learning curve ahead, recognizing there's still a long season to navigate.

ESPN