In a nail-biting showdown that saw the Oklahoma City Thunder narrowly clinch a 103-101 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander once again proved instrumental, scoring 26 points and dishing out eight assists. This triumph on Sunday night not only pushed the Thunder’s winning streak to six but also solidified their position as the top team in the NBA.
Aaron Wiggins contributed significantly with 19 points, while Alex Caruso’s pivotal 3-pointer with just under two minutes left on the clock snatched the lead back for Oklahoma City after they had relinquished a nine-point lead in the final quarter. The team’s resilience was on full display, overcoming the absence of key players Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, both sidelined due to hip injuries.
The Clippers, on the other hand, felt the sting of halting their own five-game win streak, despite strong performances from Kawhi Leonard, who racked up 25 points and 10 rebounds, and James Harden, who added 17 points. However, Harden’s struggles from the field and critical errors in the game’s dying moments undermined the Clippers’ comeback efforts.
One of the game’s critical moments came as the Clippers trailed by a single point in the final seconds. Harden’s delay in executing a play resulted in a hasty and unsuccessful shot attempt by Leonard, dashing the hopes of a Los Angeles victory.
The Thunder’s season dominance over the Clippers was highlighted by their 4-0 record against them, underscoring Oklahoma City’s competitive edge and tactical prowess throughout the season. This victory not only extends their impressive win streak but also positions them as formidable contenders as the season progresses.
