Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 50 points, becoming the ninth player in NBA history to reach that mark three times in a seven-game span, as the Oklahoma City Thunder routed the Phoenix Suns 140-109 on Wednesday night.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Canada's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander exploded for a 50-point performance, leading the NBA -leading Oklahoma City Thunder to a dominant 140-109 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night. Gilgeous-Alexander achieved a remarkable feat, becoming the ninth player in NBA history to score at least 50 points three times within a span of seven games. His previous 50-point outings included a career-high 54 against Utah on January 29 and 52 at Golden State just a week ago.
The Suns, however, were without the reigning NBA Finals MVP and 36-year-old All-Star forward Kevin Durant, who sat out due to a sprained left ankle. Durant's absence left the Suns struggling to keep up with the Thunder's offensive firepower, as the 26-point milestone for his career total remains out of reach. Despite Durant's absence, the Suns kept the game close in the first half, leading 63-61 at halftime. Gilgeous-Alexander single-handedly accounted for 28 of the Thunder's points in the first half. However, the Thunder came out with a vengeance in the third quarter, opening with a 13-0 run to take a 74-63 lead. Gilgeous-Alexander's steal and thunderous two-handed jam extended the Thunder's lead to 81-65 with 6:21 left in the third. By the fourth quarter, Gilgeous-Alexander had reached his 50th point with a baseline jumper, giving the Thunder a commanding 114-84 advantage. Bradley Beal led the Suns with 25 points, while Devin Booker contributed 19 and Royce O'Neale added 18. The Suns have now lost three consecutive games. The Thunder's exceptional free throw shooting continued, converting 24 of 27 attempts. They also shot efficiently inside the 3-point arc, making 40 of 60 shots. The Thunder's stifling defense forced 22 turnovers, which they capitalized on to score 23 points. The Thunder's Lu Dort rejected Bradley Beal's dunk attempt in the third quarter, followed by Gilgeous-Alexander's layup, pushing the Thunder's lead to 87-69. Oklahoma City's commitment to ball control was evident in their low turnover count of just six, with two committed in the final minute. Both teams are back in action on Friday night. The Suns will host the Utah Jazz, while the Thunder will welcome the Toronto Raptors.
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