Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored a career-high 45 points, and the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 134-128 on Monday night in their first game of the season without Chet Holmgren.
Holmgren will be out for at least eight weeks due to a pelvic fracture after a hard fall in Sunday’s loss to Golden State. The 7-foot-1 forward/center had been one of the league’s most efficient scorers and a top shot blocker.
Gilgeous-Alexander stepped up by making 13 of 21 field goals and hitting 15 of 16 free throws. He also recorded nine assists. Jalen Williams scored 28 points, and Lu Dort added 19 points for Oklahoma City.
Despite having their tallest starter at 6-foot-6, the Thunder played with a fast pace, committing just 11 turnovers. They were outrebounded 47-29.
Norman Powell scored 31 points for the Clippers, but fouled out when his team was down by four with 1:32 remaining. Ivica Zubac contributed 22 points and 14 rebounds, while Derrick Jones Jr. added 20 points. James Harden finished with 17 points, 11 rebounds, and nine assists, but he struggled with his shooting, making only 5 of 15 attempts and committing five fouls.
The Thunder were up by 20 points halfway through the third quarter. Powell’s fadeaway 3-pointer at the end of the quarter cut Oklahoma City’s lead to 99-94, and the game stayed close throughout the final period.
