Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a dominant 40-point performance to outshine MVP rival Nikola Jokic as the Oklahoma City Thunder overwhelmed the Denver Nuggets 127-103 on Sunday. The win, fueled by a devastating fourth-quarter surge, solidified OKC’s grip on the top spot in the Western Conference.
The clash between two Western Conference heavyweights remained competitive until the final quarter. The Nuggets had clawed back from an 11-point deficit to trail by just one at the start of the fourth. However, Oklahoma City responded with a relentless offensive blitz, outscoring Denver 41-20 in the final period.
Gilgeous-Alexander played a pivotal role in the late-game surge, adding nine points in the fourth to register his 11th 40-point game of the season. Despite struggling from beyond the arc—making just two of 11 three-point attempts—the Canadian star relentlessly attacked the rim to keep the Thunder’s offense rolling.
“That’s where it all starts—easy baskets,” Gilgeous-Alexander told ESPN. “I didn’t make as many shots as I wanted to, but we got a dub (win) so I don’t care.”
The victory extended Oklahoma City’s winning streak to seven games, improving their league-best record to 53-11. They now hold a commanding 12-game lead over the second-placed Los Angeles Lakers.
Jokic Falls Short Despite Strong Showing
Reigning MVP Nikola Jokic, fresh off a historic triple-double performance against the Phoenix Suns, finished with 24 points, 13 rebounds, and nine assists. Michael Porter Jr. matched Jokic’s 24-point effort, but Denver ultimately had no answer for Oklahoma City’s late-game dominance.
Gilgeous-Alexander downplayed the individual matchup with Jokic, emphasizing team success over personal accolades.
“I love MVPs, I love All-Stars, I love all the things that come with it, but none of it matters if you don’t win,” he said. “That’s where I hang my hat.”
Jalen Williams provided strong support for OKC with 26 points, while rookie Chet Holmgren added 14.
Cavaliers Extend Winning Streak to 14
In the Eastern Conference, the Cleveland Cavaliers continued their dominance, securing their 14th consecutive win with a 112-100 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks.
Max Strus led a balanced Cavs attack with 17 points, as all five Cleveland starters finished in double figures. The Cavaliers, who recently became the first team to clinch a playoff spot, now hold an eight-game lead over the second-placed Boston Celtics.
Despite the winning streak, star guard Donovan Mitchell remained focused on the bigger picture.
“We haven’t done anything yet,” Mitchell said. “We’ve just got to make sure when it comes to April, we handle our business.”
### Suns Keep Playoff Hopes Alive, Wolves Stay in the Hunt
In Dallas, Devin Booker (24 points) and Kevin Durant (21 points) led the Phoenix Suns to a 125-116 win over the Mavericks, keeping their play-in hopes alive. Dallas, currently occupying the 10th and final play-in spot, sits at 32-33, while the Suns remain just outside at 30-34.
Meanwhile, the Minnesota Timberwolves bolstered their playoff push with a 141-124 win over the San Antonio Spurs. The Timberwolves (37-29) remain just behind the sixth-seeded Golden State Warriors (36-26) in the Western Conference standings.
Grizzlies Edge Pelicans in Thriller
In a dramatic finish, Ja Morant and Desmond Bane combined for 62 points as the Memphis Grizzlies pulled off a 107-104 comeback victory against the New Orleans Pelicans.
New Orleans led by 14 in the second quarter but faltered as Memphis stormed back in the second half to secure the win.
As the regular season enters its final stretch, the race for playoff positioning continues to intensify, with every game carrying major implications for teams fighting for a postseason berth.
