Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s big night propels Thunder past Wolves

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 37 points on 13-for-24 shooting from the field, grabbed eight rebounds and dished eight assists, and the Oklahoma City Thunder held on for a 130-123 win over the Minneso

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s big night propels Thunder past Wolves

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 37 points on 13-for-24 shooting from the field, grabbed eight rebounds and dished eight assists, and the Oklahoma City Thunder held on for a 130-123 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday night in Minneapolis.

Chet Holmgren added 19 points on 8-for-11 shooting for Oklahoma City, which earned its ninth win in its past 10. Jalen Williams finished with 18 points and nine assists, and Aaron Wiggins scored 15 points off the bench while making all four of his 3-point attempts.

Anthony Edwards scored 29 points, grabbed 10 rebounds and dished out seven assists to lead Minnesota, which lost for the fourth time in its past five games. Naz Reid (22 points, 11 rebounds) and Jaden McDaniels (17 points, 13 rebounds) also recorded double-doubles.

Oklahoma City surged ahead with a 12-0 run in the fourth quarter to seize a 123-112 lead. That included four consecutive 3-pointers by Holmgren, Gilgeous-Alexander, Alex Caruso and Williams to put the Thunder on top for good.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker sank a pair of free throws to cut the deficit to 123-118 with 2:44 left.

Williams answered with a 3-pointer on the other end, and Oklahoma City never looked back.

The Thunder led 103-96 at the end of the third quarter.

Oklahoma City scored five points in the final 30 seconds to grab a seven-point lead. Gilgeous-Alexander made a pull-up jumper from 12 feet with 29.4 seconds to go in the period, and Cason Wallace converted a three-point play with 4.2 seconds left to increase the lead to seven.

Minnesota led 63-61 at the half.

Oklahoma City jumped to a 35-23 advantage at the end of the first quarter. Wallace drained a 3-pointer and Aaron Wiggins added a free throw in the final minute of the period.

The Timberwolves outscored the Thunder 40-26 in the second quarter to seize a two-point lead at the intermission. Rookie Jaylen Clark made a 3-pointer with 42 seconds left and a two-point basket with five seconds left for Minnesota, but Williams answered with a 3-pointer from half court at the buzzer to trim the deficit to two.

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