Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Goes Off for Career-High 45 in Win Against Clippers
In a thrilling display of offensive brilliance, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander put on a show for the ages, scoring a career-high 45 points to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 118-110 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers. The win came on the heels of an unfortunate setback for the Thunder, as the team was playing its first game without the promising rookie Chet Holmgren, who was sidelined for the season due to injury. Despite the absence of Holmgren, who was expected to be a key piece for the Thunder, Gilgeous-Alexander’s performance demonstrated that Oklahoma City is still a team to be reckoned with in the Western Conference.
Setting the Stage: A Major Loss for OKC
For the Thunder, the absence of Holmgren—who had been poised to provide a major defensive and offensive presence in his rookie season—was a tough pill to swallow. Holmgren’s length, rim protection, and ability to stretch the floor were expected to be vital for a young, developing team like the Thunder. His loss created a noticeable void in the frontcourt, and many were wondering how the team would fare without him.
The matchup against the Clippers, a team filled with championship aspirations and two elite stars in Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, was supposed to be a challenging test for Oklahoma City. The Clippers, fully healthy and one of the deeper teams in the league, seemed like heavy favorites. But the Thunder, led by the emerging superstar Gilgeous-Alexander, had other ideas.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: A Star in the Making
From the opening tip, it was clear that this was going to be Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s night. With the Thunder relying on their backcourt to shoulder the load in Holmgren’s absence, Gilgeous-Alexander showed why he’s one of the most dynamic young players in the league.
His 45-point performance came on an efficient 14-of-22 shooting from the field, including 3-of-6 from three-point range and 14-of-16 from the free-throw line. Gilgeous-Alexander was firing on all cylinders, displaying his full offensive arsenal. He attacked the rim with ease, pulling off acrobatic finishes and drawing fouls in the process. His mid-range game was on point, knocking down pull-up jumpers and using his craftiness to create space even when the Clippers’ defense was tight.
It wasn’t just about scoring, either. Gilgeous-Alexander’s playmaking ability was also on full display, as he registered 6 assists, often setting up teammates in positions to score or creating opportunities in transition. His ability to handle the ball and control the tempo of the game made the Clippers’ defense look disoriented at times. Whether it was a slick behind-the-back move or a quick burst to the basket, Gilgeous-Alexander was operating at a level far beyond what the Clippers’ defenders could handle.
But it was in the fourth quarter, when the game was on the line, that Gilgeous-Alexander truly showed his mettle. He scored 15 of his 45 points in the final frame, repeatedly breaking down the Clippers’ defense and scoring in clutch moments. His free-throw shooting—14-of-16 on the night—was especially important down the stretch, as the Thunder managed to stave off a late push from Los Angeles.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s ability to play at his own pace, using a combination of smooth dribbling and efficient scoring, kept the Clippers on their heels. The combination of poise, skill, and unselfishness is what has many analysts considering him not only one of the best young talents in the league but also one of the most complete players overall.
The Clippers: Leonard and George Fall Short
While the Thunder’s star guard was lighting up the scoreboard, the Clippers were relying on their own superstar duo: Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. Leonard, who finished with 30 points, was aggressive throughout the game, particularly in the second half, trying to will his team back into the game. He knocked down tough jumpers, hit key threes, and showcased his trademark mid-range game.
George, who also played a strong game with 26 points, added some scoring of his own, but it wasn’t enough to propel the Clippers to victory. Leonard and George combined for 56 of the Clippers’ 110 points, but the rest of the team struggled to keep pace. The Clippers shot just 42.7% from the field, and their three-point shooting was lackluster, as they connected on only 10-of-29 attempts from beyond the arc.
One of the key factors in the Clippers’ inability to close the gap was their lack of consistent secondary scoring. Players like Ivica Zubac, Reggie Jackson, and Norman Powell had relatively quiet nights, failing to provide the necessary offensive support for the star duo. When a team relies so heavily on its two main stars, it can often be a recipe for disaster when those stars are forced to carry the load without significant help.
Defensively, the Clippers had no answer for Gilgeous-Alexander, and their late-game execution faltered as they were unable to get key stops when they needed them most. While Leonard and George played with urgency in the closing minutes, the Thunder’s ability to hit clutch shots and keep pushing the pace ultimately led to their victory.
Oklahoma City’s Balanced Attack
Though Gilgeous-Alexander was clearly the star of the show, the Thunder’s supporting cast also stepped up when called upon. Josh Giddey, in his second year, contributed 12 points, 8 assists, and 6 rebounds. His playmaking and ability to control the ball were critical in helping to distribute the offense and keep the Clippers’ defense spread thin. Giddey also showed a strong feel for the game, making the right decisions when it came to passing and finding open teammates.
Luguentz Dort, known for his defensive prowess, did his best to slow down the Clippers’ star players. While Leonard and George were able to score, Dort’s defense made things difficult for them at times, particularly in the first half. He finished with 8 points and 4 rebounds, but his impact was felt more on the defensive end, especially as the game wore on.
The Thunder also got solid contributions from Isaiah Roby, who filled in the frontcourt void left by Holmgren. Roby brought energy and rebounding, finishing with 9 points and 7 boards. His grit and hustle were key in Oklahoma City’s ability to hang tough in a game that was physically demanding.
The Bigger Picture: What This Win Means for the Thunder
The win over the Clippers was a huge statement for the Oklahoma City Thunder. Not only did they show that they are capable of winning without Chet Holmgren, but they also demonstrated that their young core is ready to compete at a high level, with Gilgeous-Alexander leading the charge. This victory should give the team immense confidence moving forward, knowing that they can rely on their star guard and their collective team play to get the job done against formidable opponents.
The performance also solidified Gilgeous-Alexander’s place among the NBA’s elite young players. While the Thunder still have work to do in terms of building a complete roster, they now have a superstar to build around in Gilgeous-Alexander, who looks poised to carry the team for years to come.
For the Clippers, the loss raised concerns about their consistency and depth. While Leonard and George are still among the best in the league, they need more from their supporting cast if they are going to be true title contenders. This game exposed some of the weaknesses in their roster, and they’ll need to address those issues as the season progresses.
Conclusion
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s career-high 45 points were the headline of a thrilling victory for the Oklahoma City Thunder. His explosive performance in the absence of Chet Holmgren sent a message to the league that the Thunder are a team on the rise. With Gilgeous-Alexander at the helm, Oklahoma City is sure to be a contender for the playoffs in the competitive Western Conference. For the Clippers, it’s back to the drawing board, as their struggles in close games and reliance on just two players will be something they’ll need to work through in the coming weeks. But for now, all eyes are on Gilgeous-Alexander, whose star continues to shine brighter than ever.
