Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scores 34 points in Thunder win against Celtics
Gilgeous-Alexander, 26, a candidate for this season's Most Valuable Player award, played in his 64th game of the season, scoring in double figures in every one of them.
Thunders shooting guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander drives the ball.
In a showdown between the leader of the Western Conference and the second in the Eastern Conference, the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the defending champion Boston Celtics 118-112 on Wednesday in the NBA, thanks to an outstanding performance by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who scored 34 points and dished out seven assists.
Gilgeous-Alexander, 26 years old and a candidate for the Most Valuable Player award this season, played his 64th game of the season and has scored in double figures in every one of them.
Despite not having a highly effective day from the three-point line, shooting just 35 percent (13/37), the Thunder led by as many as 12 points and stayed on top on the scoreboard for much of the game.
Chet Holmgren played a pivotal role and was the perfect complement to Gilgeous-Alexander, posting a double-double with 23 points and 15 rebounds.
Boston's five-game winning streak comes to an end, while Oklahoma City rebounds after their loss to the Denver Nuggets on Monday.
Al Horford of the Dominican Republic had an impressive performance, scoring 18 points, including six 3-pointers, setting a new season high at 38 years old.
In a separate matchup, the Toronto Raptors defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 118-105, with A.J. Lawson leading the way, scoring 28 points.
The Canadians erupted offensively in the second quarter, scoring 40 points, and sealed the win in the fourth by holding the Sixers to just 19 points.
Trae Young recorded a double-double with 35 points and 12 assists in the Atlanta Hawks' 123-110 win over the Charlotte Hornets.
Young, 26, went 0-for-5 from beyond the arc but was perfect from the free-throw line, sinking all 21 of his attempts.
Bogdan Bogdanovic scored 30 points for the first time this season in the LA Clippers' 119-104 win over the Miami Heat.
The Clippers extended their winning streak to three games with a victory over the Miami Heat, who are on a five-game losing streak, their longest of the season under Erik Spoelstra.
James Harden scored 24 points and 11 assists for Los Angeles.
The Minnesota Timberwolves won 115-95 against the Denver Nuggets and added their sixth consecutive victory.
Anthony Edwards scored 29 points for the Wolves while Nikola Jokic added 34 points for Denver.
Minnesota built a 26-point lead and dominated both the rebounding (61-49) and assist (31-20) categories, solidifying their strong momentum during a crucial stretch of the season as they aim to secure a spot in the NBA playoffs.
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