Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 30 points and provided 12 assists, leading the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder to a 126-107 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday night, extending their
season-opening winning streak to eight games.
Isaiah Joe contributed 22 points, while Cason Wallace and Aaron Wiggins each added 12, helping the Thunder overcome an early surge by the Clippers and set a franchise record for consecutive victories to start a season.
Gilgeous-Alexander, who played for the Clippers in his rookie season before being traded to the Thunder, shot 9 of 14 from the floor and 4 of 5 from three-point range.
James Harden scored 25 points, and John Collins added 17 for the Clippers, who were missing Kawhi Leonard (ankle) and Bradley Beal (knee) on the second night of a home back-to-back.
Derrick Jones Jr. scored 16 points as the Clippers lost consecutive home games after winning their first three at home.
Despite trailing by as many as 13 points in the first half, the Thunder took the lead for good at 81-78 with a three-pointer from Aaron Wiggins with 3:34 remaining in the third quarter. Oklahoma City closed the quarter on an 8-2 run to take a 94-86 lead.
The Thunder secured the win with an 11-0 run to start the fourth quarter, extending their advantage to 105-86. This was part of a longer 17-0 run, starting with consecutive three-pointers from Isaiah Joe and Gilgeous-Alexander to close the third quarter.
