Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a career night, scoring 51 points to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 122-115 victory over the Houston Rockets on Tuesday night. The win marks the Thunder’s 50th victory of the season, further solidifying their place among the Western Conference’s elite.
It was a statement performance from Gilgeous-Alexander, who took over in the fourth quarter, scoring 18 points in the final frame to put the game out of reach. The MVP candidate showcased his signature mid-range game, aggressive drives to the rim, and clutch free throws, proving once again why he’s one of the most dominant guards in the league.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s 51-point explosion marked his career-high and the third 50-point game in Thunder franchise history, joining the likes of Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. He shot an efficient 17-of-28 from the field, including 3-of-5 from three and a perfect 14-of-14 from the free-throw line.
“We knew we needed this win,” Gilgeous-Alexander said postgame. “Fifty wins is a big milestone, but we’re not satisfied. We want to keep building and get ready for the playoffs.”
The Thunder controlled most of the game, but the Rockets made a strong push in the third quarter, cutting a 15-point deficit down to just three. Jalen Green and Alperen Şengün led Houston’s charge, combining for 48 points, but in the end, it wasn’t enough to slow down Oklahoma City’s superstar.
A key moment came with two minutes left in the game, when Gilgeous-Alexander hit a step-back three to put the Thunder up by seven. Houston never recovered, as OKC’s defense tightened in the final minutes.
The victory is a significant milestone for the Thunder, marking the first time since the 2015-16 season that the team has reached 50 wins. Head coach Mark Daigneault praised his team’s resilience and growth.
“We’ve come a long way,” Daigneault said. “Shai has been incredible all season, and tonight was just another example of how special he is.”
With the playoffs approaching, Oklahoma City is proving to be a legitimate contender in the Western Conference, and with SGA leading the charge, the Thunder are a team no one wants to face in the postseason.
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