Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 40 points despite being ill to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 113-105 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday at Paycom Center.
Gilgeous-Alexander made 12 of 19 field goals and 15 of 17 free throws, marking his 91st consecutive game with at least 20 points, the third-longest streak in NBA history.
Oklahoma City improved to 18-1, becoming just the fifth team in league history to start a season 18-1, while winning its 10th straight game and remaining perfect at 4-0 in West Group A of the NBA Cup.
Anthony Edwards led Minnesota with 31 points and eight rebounds, keeping the Timberwolves close, but the team struggled at the free-throw line, making just 22 of 37 attempts.
The Thunder jumped to a 24-17 lead after the first quarter, with Gilgeous-Alexander scoring 19 points in the first half to help Oklahoma City hold a 49-39 advantage at halftime.
Minnesota tied the game twice in the third quarter at 54 and 56, but Oklahoma City regained control and took a 78-71 lead into the fourth, setting up a tense final period.
In the closing minute, Minnesota was within one point after Edwards made a contested three, but Chet Holmgren’s corner three put the Thunder up four with 38 seconds remaining, and Oklahoma City outscored Minnesota 8-1 in the final minute.
Kenrich Williams returned to action for the Thunder in the first quarter after missing the season with a left knee injury, adding depth to the lineup alongside Cason Wallace and Luguentz Dort.
The Thunder will host Phoenix on Friday in another NBA Cup contest, while the Timberwolves return home to face Boston on Saturday.
