Gilgeous-Alexander Scores Career-High 45 as Thunder Beat Clippers in First Game Without Holmgren
In a thrilling season opener that kept fans on the edge of their seats, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a performance 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. This win was especially significant as it marked the Thunder’s first game without the presence of their prized rookie, Chet Holmgren, who was ruled out for the season due to injury just before the start of the campaign. Despite the absence of Holmgren, Oklahoma City showed resilience, and Gilgeous-Alexander’s standout performance was the story of the night.
A Test of Resilience
For the Thunder, the loss of Holmgren, the No. 2 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, was a massive blow to their long-term plans. The 7-foot rookie was expected to make an immediate impact as a versatile two-way player, offering rim protection, scoring, and floor spacing. Holmgren’s injury left a hole in both the Thunder’s frontcourt and their defensive schemes, but it also provided an opportunity for other players to step up and show they could carry the load.
Gilgeous-Alexander, already considered one of the rising stars of the league, took on the challenge and delivered in a big way. His 45-point outburst not only set a new career-high but also came at a crucial moment when the Thunder needed to prove that they could compete without their rookie phenom.
The Clippers, led by their own superstar duo of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, were expected to be one of the top contenders in the Western Conference, making the Thunder’s win even more impressive. The game featured high-level basketball from both teams, with the lead changing hands multiple times throughout the contest.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s Explosive Performance
From the opening tip, Gilgeous-Alexander made it clear that he was on a mission. The 6-foot-6 guard was virtually unstoppable, showcasing his complete offensive arsenal. Whether it was driving to the rim with his trademark crafty footwork, pulling up for mid-range jumpers, or hitting three-pointers in key moments, Gilgeous-Alexander was a constant threat.
His scoring spree was not just a result of a few lucky shots; it was a demonstration of his growth as a player. Gilgeous-Alexander’s offensive game has evolved significantly over the past few seasons, and he’s become a more complete scorer. Against the Clippers, he was able to break down defenders with his smooth ball handling, make decisive cuts, and finish through contact, showing why he’s one of the most difficult players to guard in the NBA today.
With the game on the line in the fourth quarter, Gilgeous-Alexander put the Thunder on his back, scoring 15 of his 45 points in the final frame. He attacked the basket relentlessly, drawing fouls and knocking down clutch free throws. But it wasn’t just his scoring that stood out. His ability to get to the line, create space, and maintain composure in pressure situations showcased the maturity that has made him an elite talent in the league.
His ability to score from all three levels of the court—finishing at the rim, knocking down mid-range shots, and stepping out beyond the arc—kept the Clippers’ defense on their heels all night. The 45 points came on an efficient 14-of-22 shooting, including 3-of-6 from three-point range and 14-of-16 from the free-throw line, highlighting his well-rounded offensive skill set.
The Impact of the Absence of Holmgren
Without Holmgren, the Thunder had to adjust their rotation and lean on their guard-heavy lineup. The loss of Holmgren’s length and shot-blocking presence was evident on the defensive end, as the Clippers were able to score with relative ease in the paint. But even without Holmgren, Oklahoma City’s defense was not without its moments.
The Thunder relied heavily on veteran forward Luguentz Dort and second-year center Isaiah Roby to fill the void left by Holmgren’s absence. Dort, known for his tenacious perimeter defense, was tasked with guarding Leonard, while Roby provided a strong presence inside. Although the Thunder were outmatched in the paint for much of the game, their defensive effort, combined with Gilgeous-Alexander’s scoring, kept them in the contest.
In terms of overall team play, the Thunder’s ball movement and collective effort on offense allowed them to remain competitive. Josh Giddey, the 2022 NBA Rookie of the Year, had a solid game as well, contributing 12 points, 8 assists, and 6 rebounds. His playmaking ability helped to distribute the scoring load and open up opportunities for Gilgeous-Alexander to attack. Despite not having Holmgren’s shot-blocking ability, the Thunder’s offense was more than capable of keeping pace with the high-powered Clippers.
Clippers’ Response and Late-Game Struggles
For the Clippers, Leonard and George combined for 56 points, but their efforts fell short as the Thunder’s offensive explosion proved too much to overcome. Leonard, who finished with 30 points, was a force, particularly in the second half, but found it difficult to get consistent help from his teammates down the stretch. George, who scored 26 points, had a solid game, but both he and Leonard struggled to get the necessary stops when it mattered most.
Late in the game, the Clippers found themselves unable to execute down the stretch. With Gilgeous-Alexander continuing to score at will, and the Thunder hitting timely three-pointers and free throws, Los Angeles was unable to claw back into the game despite a strong initial push in the second half.
The Clippers’ struggles were also magnified by their inability to find consistent contributions from their role players. Reggie Jackson and Ivica Zubac had quiet nights, and Norman Powell, who has often been a spark off the bench, was largely ineffective. The lack of secondary scoring options ultimately proved costly for the Clippers, who failed to capitalize on Leonard and George’s efforts.
The Significance of the Win
This victory was a major statement for the Thunder, who, despite losing Holmgren, showed they could compete at a high level. Gilgeous-Alexander’s career-high performance proved that he is not just a future star but a present-day one, capable of leading his team to victory in any situation. It also demonstrated the depth and potential of the Thunder’s roster, with players like Dort, Giddey, and Roby stepping up in key moments.
For Oklahoma City, this win not only provided a sense of confidence but also sent a message to the rest of the NBA: they are a team to be reckoned with, even without Holmgren. If Gilgeous-Alexander can continue to play at this level, and with further development from young players like Giddey, Dort, and Roby, the Thunder will remain a team on the rise in the Western Conference.
As for the Clippers, this loss highlighted the fragility of their title aspirations. While Leonard and George remain two of the best players in the league, the lack of consistent support and depth remains a significant concern. For a team that has championship hopes, their struggles to close out games against a team like Oklahoma City raise questions about their ability to contend for an NBA title.
Conclusion
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 45-point performance was a statement game that highlighted his growth as an elite player and his ability to carry a team in difficult circumstances. With the loss of Holmgren, the Thunder faced an uphill battle, but Gilgeous-Alexander’s explosive play was the catalyst for their victory over the Clippers. As the season progresses, the Thunder will look to build on this win and continue to develop their young core, while the Clippers will need to address their inconsistency if they hope to contend for a championship. For now, it’s clear that Oklahoma City’s future is bright, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is at the heart of it.
