Oklahoma City Thunder Sink Utah Jazz In OT As Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Shines Bright, Pistons Tame Bulls

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander saved the Oklahoma City Thunder with a game-tying buzzer-beater and then scored a total of 46 points in their 129-125 overtime win against the Utah Jazz on Wednesday.

The reigning NBA champions seemed on the verge of a third consecutive defeat after Lauri Markkanen’s layup gave the Jazz a 114-112 lead with just three seconds left in the fourth quarter. However, NBA Most Valuable Player Gilgeous-Alexander hit a superb 13-foot jump shot as the buzzer sounded, tying the game at 114-114 and forcing overtime.

In the extra period, Gilgeous-Alexander scored nine points, helping the Western Conference leaders return to winning form after two consecutive losses. “We just tried to stay in the moment and do whatever it took to get

the W,” Gilgeous-Alexander said afterwards. “It’s not always going to be pretty, but we’ve got to play a lot better… we’d rather learn lessons in a win than in a loss.”

Reflecting on his game-tying shot, Gilgeous-Alexander added, “That’s what I practice for. I work out for the moments when the game is at its tightest and you need plays.” He also contributed six rebounds and six assists. Chet Holmgren supported him with 23 points and 12 rebounds. Oklahoma City improved to 31-7 at the top of the Western Conference.

The San Antonio Spurs capitalised on LeBron James’s absence to secure a 107-91 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. Victor Wembanyama added 16 points from the bench, while Keldon Johnson led the Spurs with 27 points, improving San Antonio’s record to 26-11. Luka Doncic led the Lakers with a game-high 38 points.

The Denver Nuggets improved to 25-12 after defeating the Boston Celtics on the road. Despite being without the injured Nikola Jokic, Denver hit 20 three-pointers to secure an impressive win. Peyton Watson scored 30 points, including six three-pointers, while Jamal Murray added 22 points, eight rebounds, and 17 assists. Jaylen Brown led Boston with 33 points.

At the top of the Eastern Conference, the Detroit Pistons moved to 28-9 after defeating the Chicago Bulls 108-93, thanks to Isaiah Stewart’s 31-point performance.

In Philadelphia, Joel Embiid’s 28 points helped the 76ers beat the Washington Wizards 131-110. The New York Knicks ended their four-game losing streak with a 123-111 win over the struggling Los Angeles Clippers. Jalen Brunson scored 26 points, and Karl-Anthony Towns added 20 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists. “For the most part, we played a little desperate tonight,” Brunson said. “We needed a win. The way we competed, the way we played, even if we were down in the first half, was Knicks basketball. We just kept playing that way and found a way to win.”

In Memphis, former Grizzlies star Dillon Brooks returned to face his old team and scored 21 points for the Phoenix Suns in a 117-98 rout.

(With Inputs From Agecies)