Shai Gilgeous Alexander scored 36 points to lead the Thunder to a 127-123 win over the Celtics, ending their six-game winning streak.
A highly anticipated matchup between two of the top teams in the league saw Oklahoma City’s young lineup compete closely with the Celtics, who are leading the NBA’s Eastern Conference. Shai Gilgeous Alexander scored 14 of 22 shots and also contributed eight rebounds and six assists, while five Thunder players finished with double-digit points at the Paycom Center. Australian player Josh Giddey scored 23 points, Jalen Williams scored 16, and Chet Holmgren scored 14. Isaiah Joe added 10 points off the bench as the Thunder extended their winning streak to five games.
Kristaps Porzingis was the top scorer for Boston with 34 points, while Jayson Tatum also had an impressive performance, contributing 30 points, 13 rebounds, and eight assists. Boston continues to lead the Eastern Conference with a 26-7 record, while Oklahoma City is now only one game behind the Western Conference leaders, the Minnesota Timberwolves, with a record of 23-9.
Philadelphia 76ers 110, Chicago Bulls 97
In another game, Joel Embiid returned successfully after missing four games and achieved a triple-double as Philadelphia continued to chase Boston for the top spot in the Eastern Conference with a 110-97 victory over the Chicago Bulls. Embiid’s second triple-double of the season included 31 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists, following his absence due to an ankle injury.
Memphis Grizzlies 106, San Antonio Spurs 98
In another game, Ja Morant contributed 26 points and Desmond Bane scored 24 as the Memphis Grizzlies defeated the San Antonio Spurs 106-98. Victor Wembanyama, the French No. 1 draft pick, led the Spurs with 20 points, and Keldon Johnson added 19 points coming off the bench.
New Orleans Pelicans 112, Brooklyn Nets 85
In New Orleans, the Pelicans easily defeated the Brooklyn Nets 112-85, maintaining their lead throughout the game and extending their winning streak to three games.
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