Shai Gilgeous-Alexander outperformed Nikola Jokić and the Denver Nuggets in an intense matchup. In a showdown between the NBA’s top MVP candidates this season, Gilgeous-Alexander led the Oklahoma City Thunder to a convincing 127-103 victory with a stellar 40-point performance. Despite the game being close early on, the Thunder pulled away in the fourth quarter with strong offense and key defensive plays. Gilgeous-Alexander, who received chants of “M-V-P” from the crowd throughout the game, finished with 40 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and three blocks, potentially solidifying his place in the MVP race.
The Thunder’s collective defensive effort, including the presence of Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein, limited Jokić’s impact on the game. While Jokić still put up impressive numbers with 24 points, 13 rebounds, and nine assists, it was not enough to overcome the Thunder’s dominance. Jokić acknowledged Gilgeous-Alexander’s exceptional performance and leadership, recognizing his pivotal role for the Thunder.
The matchup also highlighted the stark difference in standings between the Thunder and the Nuggets, with OKC holding a significant lead over both the Nuggets and the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference. Despite the challenge posed by Oklahoma’s size, the Nuggets fell short, with Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams leading the Thunder to victory.
Meanwhile, the Cleveland Cavaliers continued their impressive winning streak, now at 14 games, by defeating the Milwaukee Bucks 112-100. Max Strus led the Cavaliers with 17 points, showcasing the team’s depth and balanced scoring. Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 30 points for the Bucks, but it was not enough to overcome the Cavaliers’ strong performance.
Cleveland is now only the second team in NBA history, after the 1986 Boston Celtics, to win 14 consecutive games while scoring at least 110 points in each game. This achievement bodes well for the Cavaliers as they aim for success this season.
The top three seeds in the Eastern Conference – the Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, and New York Knicks – have played a total of nine games this season. Currently holding the No. 4 seed in the East, the Bucks have shown improvement following a challenging start to the season. However, there are still doubts about their ability to advance far in the playoffs. Below are the scores from Sunday’s games:
– Denver Nuggets 103-127 Oklahoma City Thunder
– Phoenix Suns 125-116 Dallas Mavericks
– Memphis Grizzlies 107-104 New Orleans Pelicans
– Utah Jazz 122-126 Philadelphia 76ers
– San Antonio Spurs 124-141 Minnesota Timberwolves
– Cleveland Cavaliers 112-100 Milwaukee Bucks
– Detroit Pistons 119-112 Portland Trail Blazers
– Sacramento Kings 110-111 Los Angeles Clippers
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