Gilgeous-Alexander leads Thunder to hold off Magic's comeback in a tense finale
- The Oklahoma City Thunder secured a 120-114 victory over the Indiana Pacers, marking their ninth consecutive win.
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander showcased exceptional skills, tying his career high with 45 points, while the Pacers struggled due to an off night from Tyrese Haliburton.
- This performance sets up the Thunder for a meeting against the Charlotte Hornets, while the Pacers hope to rebound against the Boston Celtics.
In Indianapolis, the Oklahoma City Thunder faced off against the Indiana Pacers on Thursday night, achieving a victory that marks their ninth consecutive win in the NBA. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the standout performer, tying his career high with 45 points. He excelled in his shooting, making 15 of 22 attempts from the field and sinking all 11 free throws, significantly contributing to the Thunder's success in a tightly contested game. The Thunder overcame a challenging first half where they trailed by 15 points. By halftime, they closed in, only down 61-53 powered by Gilgeous-Alexander's offensive prowess. Indiana was led by Andrew Nembhard, who scored 23 points, but ultimately could not maintain their lead after a fiercely competitive match that included 11 lead changes. Gilgeous-Alexander's decisive 3-pointer late in the game allowed Oklahoma to regain the upper hand, capping off an impressive night for the talented guard. The Thunder demonstrated both resilience and skill, rallying effectively against Indiana's performance, which was hindered by a poor showing from Tyrese Haliburton, who managed only four points. The Thunder will next face Charlotte, looking to extend their winning streak, while the Pacers will challenge Boston in their upcoming matchup, hoping to regroup and bounce back after this defeat.