Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Has 44 Thunder Points Over Portland Trail Blazers 138-129 2023

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander put up an incredible stat line despite playing the second leg of back-to-backs. He scored 44 points in Oklahoma City's 138-129 win against Portland.

He stayed hot from the field and at the free throw line, keeping up with Damian Lillard. Additionally, he received extra assistance in the form of Josh Giddey and Jalen Williams each scoring double figures.

Score: 138-129

On Friday night against the Trail Blazers, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had an outstanding game, scoring 44 points on 13-16 shooting to lead his team to a 138-129 victory. Additionally, he added three rebounds, seven assists, two steals and one block in the triumph.

The Thunder entered the game with a record of 5-12, but they improved to 7-4 at home after defeating Portland. Josh Giddey led the team with 19 points while Jerami Grant and Cam Reddish each added 11 markers.

After trailing by eight points early in the fourth quarter, Oklahoma City went on a 15-3 run to take control of the game. Gilgeous-Alexander played an integral role in this comeback; scoring 21 of his 31 points during the second half to help erase their deficit and seal victory for their side.

Gilgeous-Alexander put on an incredible performance for the fans in this game, tying his career high in scoring while shooting an incredible percentage from both the field and free throw line. Additionally, he finished with a season high eight dunks to further boost his fantasy value.

This was his first game back after being named to the All-Star team, and it proved a crucial win for Oklahoma City as they moved a half game ahead of Denver in their quest for the play-in tournament. He's expected back in action Monday against the Lakers, when if the Thunder are still in it then he should get plenty of opportunities.

Points: 44

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scores 44 points as Oklahoma City Thunder beat Portland Trail Blazers 138-129. To kick off their back-to-back against Portland, Oklahoma City's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had one of his best games of the season; scoring 44 points and dishing out seven assists while shooting 13-for-16 from the floor and 18-for-19 from the free throw line.

He shot 43.6 percent on mid-range jumpers and has shown excellent shooting form on threes throughout his career. Notable highlights include two big threes he hit in the fourth period as Oklahoma City went on a 9-0 run to take control of the game.

The Thunder were able to secure a much-needed victory despite an otherwise difficult week. In addition to Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey and Jalen Williams each scored double figures.

A win for the Thunder puts them within half a game of making the play-in tournament and gives them some momentum heading into their next matchup against the Lakers. Furthermore, it helps enhance their playoff prospects as the season continues.

Gilgeous-Alexander has done a lot to assist his team this year. Aside from scoring goals, he's been an outstanding defensive player. Though not an exceptional shot blocker, he does an admirable job defending pick and rolls and rebounding well. Additionally, Gilgeous-Alexander is an impressive rebounder and passer as well as being an excellent teammate who always puts others before himself.

Rebounds: 3

Gilgeous-Alexander has been an ideal fit for the Thunder, where Russell Westbrook developed his triple-double game, Kevin Durant crafted his perimeter game and James Harden took inspiration from his step-back jumper. At 24 years old, he's already made a name for himself as an NBA superstar with a career high average of 30.9.

He is currently leading the league in efficiency, shooting at a career-high percentage from both field (51 percent) and free-throw line (90.8%). His impressive stats come off an incredible performance against Minnesota when he had 20 rebounds plus a double-double with 30 points and 12 assists.

On Wednesday night, Gilgeous-Alexander once again proved the difference maker in a Thunder victory against the Portland Trail Blazers. He scored 27 points on 12-for-19 shooting to lead Oklahoma City to their third consecutive win, 101-98 over Portland.

On Monday night in Oklahoma City, the Thunder rallied from a five-game losing streak to defeat the Trail Blazers for a second consecutive win. Gilgeous-Alexander hit an iconic three-pointer as time expired against Portland to cap off an incredible 35-point performance.

The game was an unpredictable rollercoaster of a ride. Teams built leads, but then both teams went 0-4 at the end of the first period for nearly two minutes without scoring. It appeared as though the Blazers would pull away with it until Lu Dort hit one of his most remarkable 3-pointers to give Oklahoma City a 119-114 advantage with 5:22 left in regulation.

Assists: 7

Gilgeous-Alexander has been an integral part of the Oklahoma City Thunder's success this season, setting career highs in points, assists and blocks while shooting at career high levels from both field and free-throw line. Additionally, he's on track to secure his first All-Star berth while improving his efficiency levels.

He began his college career at the University of Kentucky, where coach John Calipari likened him to Charles Barkley. For much of his freshman year, he mostly played off the bench but by January had blossomed into a starter for his team.

Gilgeous-Alexander enjoyed a successful rookie season with the Los Angeles Clippers before being traded to Oklahoma in exchange for Paul George. This move enabled the Thunder to cultivate their young core that includes Russell Westbrook and James Harden.

Gilgeous-Alexander has blossomed in his second season with the Thunder, becoming a consistent scorer from both ends of the floor. Additionally, his rebounds are up and his assist percentage has seen an improvement.

He's become one of the top candidates for one of two West reserve guard spots and could potentially earn a place in this year's All-Star Game as well. However, his competition is fierce with Damian Lillard and Devin Booker both out with injuries this season.

Gilgeous-Alexander has taken his game to another level this month, averaging 31.1 points per game while shooting over 55 percent from the field and hitting 51.7 percent from three. Additionally, he ranks among the league leaders in assists, blocks and steals.

Blocks: 1

On Friday night, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had a remarkable night. He scored 44 points to power the Oklahoma City Thunder to an easy 138-129 win against Portland Trail Blazers. Gilgeous-Alexander also finished with 13 points in the opening quarter and finished with seven assists as Oklahoma City shot 57 percent from the field for their sixth win of the season.

At the start of the third period, Portland had taken a commanding 105-103 lead. It wasn't certain what would come next, but Damian Lillard took control and drove and drawn fouls while hitting jumpers with some help from Jabari Walker inside to propel them on an impressive 14-point run.

The Thunder rallied, scoring on two three-pointers and a Josh Giddey floater in rapid succession for a 114-113 lead with 7:00 remaining. For a brief moment it appeared as though that might have been it as Portland called timeout.

But the Thunder quickly went back to work, with Gilgeous-Alexander scoring on a breakaway dunk to put them ahead 119-114. He then followed that with another free throw attempt that resulted in another free throw for Oklahoma City. A Lu Dort 3-pointer then made it 129-121 with 2:45 remaining to all but seal the deal for Oklahoma City.

Thunder fans experienced a night of highs and lows on Tuesday night. Gilgeous-Alexander was in the right place at the right time to help get his team back on track for a playoff spot, and this victory served as an enormous confidence boost.

Dunks: 8

Gilgeous-Alexander has quickly established himself as one of the NBA's premier young players, helping the Oklahoma City Thunder win three straight playoff games.

On Friday night, Gilgeous-Alexander scored 44 points on 13-of-16 shooting from the field and 18-of-19 from the free throw line - tying his career high in efficiency as well.

At times, the Trail Blazers struggled to contain Gilgeous-Alexander due to his knack for getting to the basket and using that skill for offensive rebounds. It proved costly for them in the end as Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 10 rebounds on Saturday afternoon.

The Thunder took control of the game early in the fourth quarter. Ty Jerome hit a 3-pointer that put them ahead 61-59, and Luguentz Dort finished off with a dunk and steal for an even 65-61 advantage.

Portland battled back, tying the score at 51 with 3:15 remaining in the third quarter. Damian Lillard drove into the lane and pulled up for a shot that missed by inches - leaving Portland with an uphill battle going forward.

Grant suffered an injury and had to be taken off the field. Simons attempted to block his shot, but couldn't quite make it.

Gilgeous-Alexander contributed several dunks during the game, joined by teammates Lu Dort and Jaylin Williams.