It’s hard to beat a team when its superstar is having one of “those days.”
Fortunately for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has made “those days” routine.
Gilgeous-Alexander looked the part of an MVP favorite Wednesday night, scoring 50 points and leading OKC to a dominant 140-109 win over the Phoenix Suns. Phoenix was without Kevin Durant, who has been the subject of trade rumors ahead of Thursday’s deadline. With the fashion in which OKC handled Phoenix, it’s unlikely he would’ve impacted the result.
Despite the eye-popping final score, OKC trailed at the half.
When Gilgeous-Alexander left the floor in the second quarter, Phoenix punished OKC, immediately taking control of what was a close game at the time. Suns sharpshooter Royce O’Neale got off to a career-best start, going 5-5 from 3-point range in the first half.
Bradley Beal, who has been a part of trade rumors as well, joined O’Neale in his efficiency, starting the game 4-4 from the field and looking like the Beal that Phoenix thought it was getting when it traded for him before last season.
Phoenix’s efficiency led it to a 63-51 halftime lead. Despite the double-digit deficit, Gilgeous-Alexander’s 28-point first half laid the groundwork for what would blossom into his third 50-point game in 14 days.
As soon as the second half started, a switch flipped.
OKC’s defense took over, using the on-ball pressure that has become synonymous with the Thunder to force the Suns into 20 total turnovers. As OKC’s defense took control, Gilgeous-Alexander’s offense continued to live up to expectations.
Whether it was inside, in the midrange, or from 3-point range, Gilgeous-Alexander got whatever he wanted, routinely abusing Beal and Grayson Allen. Aaron Wiggins got in on the fun as well, scoring 17 points through his typical blend of reliable outside shooting and opportunistic cuts.
By the time the fourth quarter came around, the game was all but decided.
Gilgeous-Alexander played the first few minutes of the final frame to get to 50 points, but after that, the reserves came in.
It was an impressive win for OKC on trade deadline eve, reminding those around the country and its own fans that while the Thunder isn’t perfect, it is very good.
