Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a masterful performance, scoring 31 points to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 127-108 victory over the Washington Wizards on Thursday night. The win extended the Thunder’s perfect start to the season to 6-0, solidifying their position as a dominant force in the NBA.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s highlight-reel moment came with a must-see bucket that showcased his elite ball-handling and scoring skills. He expertly navigated through defenders before sinking a smooth jumper, a play that epitomized his offensive versatility and confidence. This basket was part of a 20-point first-half outburst from SGA, who consistently exploited gaps in the Wizards’ defense. His ability to create shots under pressure kept Oklahoma City in control throughout the game, drawing praise from fans and analysts alike.
Supporting Gilgeous-Alexander, reserve guard Ajay Mitchell contributed 20 points, maintaining a perfect free-throw record by making all six attempts and extending his season total to 19 without a miss. Isaiah Joe, returning from a knee injury that sidelined him for the first five games, added 20 points and connected on five three-pointers, providing a much-needed boost to a team that entered the game last in the league in three-point percentage. The Thunder’s bench depth was instrumental, with multiple role players stepping up to secure the comfortable win.
Defensively, Oklahoma City was relentless, forcing 22 turnovers while committing only six, highlighting their disciplined and aggressive approach. Cason Wallace led the charge with four steals, and Alex Caruso added three, constantly disrupting Washington’s offensive flow. This defensive prowess allowed the Thunder to capitalize on fast-break opportunities and build significant leads, including a 24-point advantage in the fourth quarter that put the game out of reach.
Despite their unbeaten record, the Thunder are facing challenges off the court, including injuries to key forwards Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams. Holmgren has missed the past two games with lower back soreness, while Williams remains out following offseason wrist surgery. In a somber note, the team announced that guard Nikola Topic has been diagnosed with testicular cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy, adding an emotional layer to their early-season success. Yet, Oklahoma City has demonstrated remarkable resilience, continuing to perform at a high level amid adversity.
Looking ahead, the Thunder will host the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday, aiming to extend their winning streak and maintain their position atop the Western Conference. For the Wizards, who have lost three straight and fallen to 1-4, the focus shifts to hosting the Orlando Magic on Saturday as they seek to reverse their fortunes. This victory underscores the Thunder’s status as serious contenders, with Gilgeous-Alexander’s leadership and skill driving their pursuit of back-to-back championships.