Shai Gilgeous-Alexander outdueled MVP rival Nikola Jokic with a 40-point performance as the Oklahoma City Thunder produced a late barrage to defeat the Denver Nuggets, 127-103, yesterday (Philippine time).
A pulsating battle between the NBA Western Conference heavyweights was settled by a fourth-quarter offensive onslaught from Oklahoma, who outscored Denver 41-20 in the final frame to romp to victory.
Gilgeous-Alexander — widely seen as the front-runner to succeed Jokic as the league’s Most Valuable Player — was instrumental in the Thunder’s strong finish.
The gifted Canadian point guard once again came up big when it mattered, slamming the door on Denver after the Nuggets had got to within one point of Oklahoma at the start of the fourth quarter after clawing their way back from an 11-point deficit in the third quarter.
Gilgeous-Alexander added nine points in the fourth quarter to complete his 11th 40-point of the season, putting the Thunder within touching distance of clinching their place in the postseason.
The Thunder are now 53-11 at the top of the Western Conference after their seventh straight victory, and could seal their playoff spot later if Minnesota fails to beat San Antonio.
“We were able to get stops down the stretch and then just execute,” Gilgeous-Alexander said of the Thunder’s fourth-quarter bombardment.
“That’s what it’s going to come down to when teams are so good. It’s never going to be pretty all the time, but if you get stops and execute, you’ll give yourself a chance no matter who you play.”
Remarkably, Gilgeous-Alexander’s 40-point game came despite him making just two of 11 three-point attempts.
But the 26-year-old shrugged off his struggles from long range by attacking the rim to keep the points flowing for Oklahoma.
Gilgeous-Alexander, meanwhile, shrugged off the hype surrounding his head-to-head with reigning MVP Jokic, the Serbian star who came into the game fresh from a historic triple double of 31 points, 21 rebounds and 22 assists in the win over the Phoenix Suns.
Gilgeous-Alexander received scoring support from Jalen Williams with 26 points, while Chet Holmgren added 14.
Jokic finished with 24 points, 13 rebounds and nine assists, with Michael Porter, Jr. also adding 24 points. (Agence France-Presse)