Shai Gilgeous-Alexander torches former team: Carries OKC Thunder to dominant victory over LA Clippers to advance in the Western Conference standings

The OKC Thunder and Los Angeles Clippers will always be connected because of the blockbuster 2019 trade involving All-Stars Paul George and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander along with the abundance of first round picks that general manager Sam Presti acquired to start his rebuild.

In tonight’s matchup, it was the young superstar who stole the show, as SGA led the Thunder to an easy 129-107 victory over the Clippers at Paycom Center.

The MVP candidate had a phenomenal game following his first All-Star game start, as he ended the night with 31 points and 8 assists on 63% shooting. Rookie of the Year candidate Chet Holmgren finished with 17 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 blocks while rising star Jalen Williams recorded 18 points, 6 assists, and 3 blocks. Lu Dort had 19 points while Josh Giddey scored 12 points.

2-time Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard had a team high 20 points for the Clippers on 75% shooting. Former MVP James Harden finished with 17 points while Paul George had 14 points. Ivica Zubac recorded a double-double, ending with 13 points and 12 rebounds and Norman Powell provided a spark off the bench, scoring 19 points.

This win improves the Thunder to 38-17, which makes them 2nd in the Western Conference. OKC is now 1 game behind the Minnesota Timberwolves for the top seed. They are 6-4 over their last 10 games and currently on a 3-game winning streak. Their next game will be tomorrow night against the Washington Wizards.

Meanwhile, this loss drops the Clippers to 36-18, which makes them 3rd in the Western Conference. Los Angeles is now 1.5 games behind the 2nd seeded Thunder and 0.5 games above the 4th seeded Nuggets. They are 6-4 over their last 10 games and will look to bounce back tomorrow night against the Memphis Grizzlies.