DENVER — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 40 factors, 17 within the decisive third quarter, and the Oklahoma City Thunder overcame one other environment friendly capturing recreation from Nikola Jokic to beat the Denver Nuggets 119-93 on Friday night time.
Gilgeous-Alexander had 40 factors or extra for the fifth time this season and was 4 shy of his profession finest set final season. He was 14 of 20 from the sphere and made all 10 of his free-throw makes an attempt.
“He was just cruising. He let the game come to him,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault stated. “It never seemed like he was forcing. Played the right way throughout, made the right passes, kept them honest. It’s kind of routine at this point but he played a great game.”
Oklahoma City has gained three straight and eight of its final 10 to surge previous Denver within the Northwest Division. The Nuggets, who had their six-game successful streak snapped, have misplaced simply three house video games this season and the final two have come in opposition to the Thunder.
Those are Denver’s solely losses within the final 11 video games.
“It’s not a fluke they won the championship,” Gilgeous-Alexander stated. “They’re a really good team and we know that every night we play them. You get out of bed to play against teams like that knowing they’re at the level that you want to get to.”
PHOTOS: Gilgeous-Alexander scores 40, Thunder snap Nuggets’ 6-game win streak with 119-93 victory
Chet Holmgren scored the Thunder’s first 10 factors of the sport and completed with 24, was 4 of 4 from 3-point vary, and had two blocks. He had eight blocked photographs in opposition to the Nuggets on Dec. 16.
“He’s a threat on the court in so many ways and him drawing that attention only makes it easier for the guys around him, including myself,” Gilgeous-Alexander stated.
Jokic, who completed with 19 factors, made 9 of 10 photographs and during the last two video games he’s 20 of 21 from the sphere. He made his first 4 photographs Friday night time till lacking a brief jumper with 1:57 left within the first quarter. He had made 16 straight subject targets going again to Monday’s recreation in opposition to Golden State.
Jokic had 10 rebounds however dedicated seven turnovers, two shy of his profession excessive.
“You’ve got to be clean with the ball, you can’t play in a crowd,” Nuggets coach Michael Malone stated of the turnovers. “It’s something they do to most teams, but you’re not going to give yourself a chance to win when you allow them to play to their strength.”
The Thunder led by six at halftime and used a 19-4 run to go forward 75-58 halfway by way of the third quarter. Gilgeous-Alexander scored 11 factors late within the interval to place Oklahoma City forward 88-68 heading into the fourth.
The Nuggets received inside 93-78 on Reggie Jackson’s 3-pointer however Jalen Williams hit two from deep and Kenrich Williams one other from behind the road to provide the Thunder a 102-80 lead.
Denver made one final push however Holmgren’s fourth 3-pointer of the night time made it 107-87 with 4:14 left.
UP NEXT
Thunder: Host the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday night time.
Nuggets: Host the Charlotte Hornets on Monday night time.
