Oklahoma City Thunder wins fifth straight as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shines

In Oklahoma City on March 21, 2025, the Oklahoma City Thunder achieved their fifth consecutive victory by defeating the Charlotte Hornets with a score of 141-106. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a standout player in the NBA, contributed significantly by scoring 30 points, complementing his performance with six rebounds and nine assists. His strong showing came after sitting out a previous game, proving his ability to bounce back effectively. Other notable performances came from Chet Holmgren with 14 points and Isaiah Hartenstein who secured a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Despite missing key players Lu Dort and Jalen Williams due to injury, the Thunder maintained control throughout the game, leading by a significant margin at halftime and continuing to dominate in the third quarter. This win not only showcased the Thunder's depth and teamwork but also solidified their standings, clinching the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference for the second consecutive season when the Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Los Angeles Lakers. The game highlighted the Thunder's offensive strength, outscoring the Hornets, particularly in the paint, where they dominated with a score of 64-26. The Hornets were unable to capitalize on their shooting, despite managing to connect on a substantial number of 3-pointers early in the game. Now, as the Thunder looks toward the end of the regular season, their focus shifts to ensuring a healthy roster for the playoffs while contemplating the importance of seeding and potential playoff matchups, particularly against teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers who currently have the best record in the East. With the Thunder clinching home-court advantage, the final games of the season largely serve to keep the players in optimal shape and to strategize for a successful playoff run.