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 were led by Chris Boucher, who had 31 points and 12 rebounds. Norman Powell also had a solid game with 24 points, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Thunder’s dominant performance.
The Thunder’s win over the Raptors is a testament to their resilience and determination. Despite being one of the youngest teams in the league, they have shown that they can compete with some of the best teams in the NBA.
For Gilgeous-Alexander, this win was especially meaningful as he got to showcase his skills in front of his hometown crowd. He 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 Denver Nuggets on Friday. As for the Raptors, they will have to regroup and find a way to bounce back from their recent string of injuries.
