Thunder secures spot in NBA Cup semi-finals as Shai scores 39

OKLAHOMA CITY: The Thunder triumphed over the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night, as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 39 points, securing Oklahoma’s place in the semi-finals of the National Basketball Association (NBA) Cup.

THUNDER ROARS IN OKLAHOMA

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander dominated on Tuesday night, scoring 39 points on incredible efficiency, as he shot 65 per cent from the field, hitting 15 of his 23 attempts. After a quick spree from Klay Thompson and Kyrie Irving, the Mavericks looked competitive in the first quarter. But, by the end of the frame, after Shai hit a three from the left wing with 20 seconds left in the frame, Dallas would find themselves down by eight points.

The Mavericks would pull the game within three by the end of the second, but Oklahoma would extend their lead in the third. Shai would score 16 points in the frame, leading the Thunder to their biggest lead of yet, ending the quarter 17 points ahead. To the dismay of the Mavericks, that deficit would balloon further in the fourth.

Alex Caruso hit a three early into the final quarter from the right corner, before Jalen Williams hit a jump shot a few feet into the arc, giving the Thunder a massive 20-point lead. Dallas would bring the deficit down to nine with two minutes remining in the game. However, another bucked from beyond the arc from Luguentz Dort, and a layup from AJ Mitchell, would bring the game to an end.

Jhon Duran continues to press for starting spot with another brilliant strike

The Thunder won 118-104 and advanced to the next round of the NBA Cup. They will face the winner of Wednesday night’s game between the Golden State Warriors and the Houston Rockets in the semi-finals.

WARRIORS AND HOUSTON

Oklahoma is currently level, 1-1, with Golden State in the 2024-2025 season. The Warriors beat the Thunder in their first meeting on November 10, courtesy of a Stephen Curry flurry as number 30 scored 36. The Thunder would get revenge later that month, beating the warriors 105 – 101, behind 35 points from Shai.

Oklahoma has also played the Rockets twice this season thus far, winning their first game on November 8 126-107, as Shai and Chet Holmgren scored 29 each. On the first of December, the Rockets would return fire, beating Oklahoma 119 – 116.

However, regardless of who they face, the Thunder, who currently sit at the top spot in the Western conference with a record of 19 wins and five losses, will be the favourites in what is sure to be an electric game.

Girona coach Michel vows to fight on in Champions League campaign