The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Toronto Raptors 123-103 on Wednesday night, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the way for the Thunder.
Gilgeous-Alexander, who was born in Toronto, put on a dominant performance against his hometown team. He finished the game with 32 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists, leading the Thunder to their fourth straight win.
The Raptors, who have been plagued by injuries this season, were missing several key players including Kyle Lowry, Fred VanVleet, and Pascal Siakam. This gave the Thunder an advantage, and they took full advantage of it.
The Thunder started the game strong, with Gilgeous-Alexander scoring 10 points in the first quarter. He continued to dominate throughout the game, making tough shots and getting to the free throw line. He also showed off his playmaking abilities, setting up his teammates for easy baskets.
The Raptors struggled to keep up with the Thunder’s pace and intensity. They were outscored in every quarter and were unable to mount a comeback. The Thunder’s defense was also a major factor in their victory, as they held the Raptors to just 103 points.
In addition to Gilgeous-Alexander’s impressive performance, the Thunder also got contributions from their other players. Luguentz Dort had 21 points, while Darius Bazley and Al Horford each added 15 points.
On the other hand, the Raptors struggled to find their rhythm without their key players. Norman Powell led the team with 24 points, while Chris Boucher had 17 points and 9 rebounds. However, it was not enough to overcome the Thunder’s strong performance.
The Thunder’s win over the Raptors marks their fourth straight victory, and they have now won 6 of their last 7 games. This is an impressive feat for a team that was not expected to be a playoff contender this season.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s performance against the Raptors was a reminder of his potential and talent. The 22-year-old guard has been a key player for the Thunder this season, averaging 23.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game.
The Thunder will look to continue their winning streak as they face the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday. Meanwhile, the Raptors will try to bounce back from their loss as they take on the Houston Rockets on Friday.
Injuries have been a major obstacle for the Raptors this season, but they have shown resilience and determination in the face of adversity. As they continue to battle through injuries, they will look to get back on track and make a push for the playoffs.
Overall, the Thunder’s victory over the Raptors was a testament to their strong team chemistry and determination. With Gilgeous-Alexander leading the way, the Thunder have proven to be a formidable opponent for any team in the league.
