Thunder 134-128 Clippers (November 11, 2024) Game Recap

OKLAHOMA CITY – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the highest score of his career and the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Los Angeles Clippers 134-128 on Monday night in their first game this season without Chet Holmgren.

Holmgren will be out for at least eight weeks due to a fractured pelvis following a bad fall in Sunday’s loss to Golden State. The 2.10 meter tall striker/midfielder was one of the league’s most efficient scorers and best shot blockers.

Gilgeous-Alexander made up for the gap by making 13 of 21 field goals and 15 of 16 free throws. He also had nine assists. Jalen Williams scored 28 points and Lu Dort added 19 for Oklahoma City.

Since their tallest starter was 1.80 meters tall, the Thunder ran tirelessly but only had eleven turnovers. They were outrebounded 47-29.

Norman Powell scored 31 points but failed to score when the Clippers were down four points with 1:32 left. Ivica Zubac had 22 points and 14 rebounds and Derrick Jones Jr. added 20 points for Los Angeles. James Harden had 17 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists, but he shot 5 of 15 and had five fouls.

The Thunder led by 20 points midway through the third quarter. Powell’s fadeaway corner 3 at the end of the third period cut Oklahoma City’s lead to 99-94, and the game remained close in the final period.

Takeaways

Clippers: Los Angeles was sloppy with the ball. Oklahoma City scored 32 points off the Clippers’ 24 turnovers.

Donner: Even with several players injured, Oklahoma City’s depth was too great for the Clippers, especially since Los Angeles was in foul trouble.

Key moment

Gilgeous-Alexander made two free throws with 22.7 seconds left to give the Thunder a 132-128 lead and match his career high in points.

Key statistics

Oklahoma City made 22 of 23 free throws while Los Angeles made 20 of 29.

Next

The Clippers visit Houston on Wednesday and the Thunder host New Orleans on Wednesday.

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AP NBA: