In a dominant display, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Oklahoma City Thunder to a commanding 121-92 victory over the Brooklyn Nets, marking their 10th consecutive win. Gilgeous-Alexander, showcasing why he's the reigning NBA MVP, put up 20 points on an efficient 8 of 9 shooting.
His performance extended an impressive NBA record, scoring at least 20 points in 62 straight road games. He left the court with over four minutes left in the third quarter, with the Thunder firmly in control, leading by 38.
Jared McCain was on fire with 26 points, and Aaron Wiggins chipped in with 17, contributing to a Thunder team that was relentless from start to finish. They surged ahead by as much as 42 points, maintaining their lead throughout the second game of a back-to-back.
For the Nets, Jalen Wilson came off the bench to score 15 points, while rookie Nolan Traore was the only starter to hit double figures with 13. The Nets are struggling, now on a five-game losing streak and having dropped 15 of their last 17. Missing key player Michael Porter Jr. due to an ankle injury for the fourth consecutive game certainly didn’t help their cause.
Oklahoma City was sharp, hitting 53% of their shots from the field and 40% from beyond the arc, improving their road record to a league-best 25-8. Gilgeous-Alexander set the tone early, with 16 of his 20 points coming in the first half, propelling the Thunder to a 60-24 halftime lead.
Those 24 points were the second-lowest first-half total in NBA history, only surpassed by Phoenix's 22-point half against the Lakers in 2016. The Nets' 11 points in the first quarter tied a franchise low.
The Thunder capitalized on Brooklyn’s offensive woes, as the Nets shot a mere 20% from the field in the first quarter, allowing Oklahoma City to jump to a 28-11 lead.
Off the court, Thunder coach Jordi Fernández revealed that rookie Egor Demin underwent a nonsurgical procedure for plantar fasciitis in his left foot.
Looking ahead, the Thunder will continue their road trip, taking on the Washington Wizards on Saturday.