Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 34 points as the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 108-101 on Sunday night at Paycom Center to remain undefeated at 3-0. Oklahoma City won its third consecutive game despite losing three players to injuries, including Jalen Williams late in the fourth quarter.
Gilgeous-Alexander shot 13-of-26 from the field and 7-of-8 from the free-throw line, adding six rebounds, five assists, two steals and one block in 36 minutes. His plus-17 rating was the best among Oklahoma City’s starters.
Ajay Mitchell provided 18 points off the bench, shooting 8-of-14 from the field, while adding six rebounds, four assists and three steals in 28 minutes. Isaiah Hartenstein recorded a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds, and Alex Caruso contributed 12 points, seven rebounds, six assists and two steals.
The Thunder outscored the Clippers 34-30 in the third quarter and 31-25 in the fourth to secure the victory. Oklahoma City shot 45% from the field and 33% from three-point range, while converting 16 of 17 free throws. The team also recorded 15 steals and forced 26 turnovers, although it committed 16 turnovers of its own.
Los Angeles made a late push after trailing in the fourth quarter. Derrick Jones Jr. hit a three-pointer with three minutes remaining to cut the deficit to 97-96, but the Clippers could not get closer as Oklahoma City held on.
Darius Garland led the Clippers with 16 points and 11 assists, although he shot 7-of-17 from the field and committed six turnovers. Kris Dunn added 15 points, six assists and five steals, while Brook Lopez scored 15 points off the bench. Los Angeles shot 46% from the field and 39% from beyond the arc but struggled to protect the ball.
The Thunder’s victory came at a cost. Cason Wallace left in the first quarter with left shoulder soreness, and Jaylin Williams departed with right wrist soreness. Neither returned.
Jalen Williams suffered a more concerning injury with 1:14 remaining after going down hard on a drive to the basket. He left the court on a stretcher with towels covering his left leg. Oklahoma City had no further injury diagnosis available in the supplied game report.
The Thunder will host the Phoenix Suns on Monday, while the Clippers will face the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday.
