Shai Gilgeous-Alexander hit a step-back 3-pointer with 2.7 seconds remaining to lift the Oklahoma City Thunder to a thrilling 129–126 win over the Denver Nuggets on Monday night.
Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 35 points, a career-high 15 assists and nine rebounds, delivering one of the most complete performances of his career. He also made history during the game, reaching the 20-point mark for the 126th consecutive contest in the third quarter to match the streak set by Wilt Chamberlain from 1961–63. The Thunder star also became just the second player in NBA history to record at least 35 points and 15 assists in a game without committing a turnover.
The dramatic finish unfolded in the final seconds. With Oklahoma City leading 126–122, Nikola Jokic drilled a three-pointer to cut the deficit to one. Moments later, Thunder forward Jaylin Williams was whistled for an off-ball foul while fighting through a screen, sending Jamal Murray to the line. Murray converted the free throw with 8.5 seconds left to tie the game.
Gilgeous-Alexander responded immediately, rising over Spencer Jones to bury the game-winning three — his second from beyond the arc in the final 14 seconds. Denver’s Aaron Gordon missed a 61-foot desperation attempt at the buzzer.
Jaylin Williams added 29 points for Oklahoma City, while Ajay Mitchell scored 24 in his return after missing 20 games with an abdominal strain and a sprained ankle. The Thunder have now won six straight games since Gilgeous-Alexander returned from an abdominal injury that sidelined him for nine contests.
Jokic led Denver with 32 points, 14 rebounds and 13 assists for his 24th triple-double of the season and the 188th of his career. Tim Hardaway Jr. added 28 points and Gordon finished with 23 points and 10 rebounds.
Oklahoma City was short-handed, playing without starters Chet Holmgren (illness), Isaiah Hartenstein (bruised calf) and Jalen Williams (hamstring), along with key reserve Alex Caruso (hip).
Gordon helped Denver get off to a fast start, scoring 17 points in the first 5½ minutes after missing the previous matchup between the teams with a strained hamstring. Still, Oklahoma City rallied to take a 66–60 lead into halftime behind 17 first-half points from Gilgeous-Alexander.
The Thunder led by eight with just over two minutes left before the Nuggets mounted a late comeback, setting the stage for Gilgeous-Alexander’s clutch finish.
Up next: Denver returns home to host the Houston Rockets on Wednesday, while Oklahoma City will face the Boston Celtics on Thursday.
