Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shook off a slow start to score 29 points and lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 124-112 victory over the Miami Heat on Sunday night.
After missing his first five shots, Gilgeous-Alexander caught fire, going 10 of 14 from the field the rest of the way. The performance marked his 110th consecutive game scoring at least 20 points. Jalen Williams added 19 points for Oklahoma City, while Chet Holmgren and Ajay Mitchell chipped in 16 apiece as the Thunder won their third straight.
Andrew Wiggins led Miami with 23 points, knocking down seven 3-pointers. Tyler Herro scored 19 points and Pelle Larsson added 16, but the Heat dropped their third consecutive game.
Gilgeous-Alexander took control in the third quarter, scoring 16 points in the period. His 3-pointer with about four minutes left capped a 15-0 Thunder run and prompted a fist pump as Miami called timeout, giving Oklahoma City a 13-point cushion it would not relinquish.
Despite both teams entering the night ranked among the NBA’s top four in defensive rating, the offenses were efficient, with each side shooting better than 50 percent. Oklahoma City’s defense still made the difference, turning 23 Miami turnovers into 39 points.
Miami forced five turnovers in the opening quarter, but the Thunder committed just eight the rest of the game. The Heat led by as many as nine early before Oklahoma City answered with a 14-2 run late in the first quarter. Miami closed the period with five points in the final four seconds, punctuated by Wiggins’ steal and corner 3 at the buzzer.
Jaylin Williams returned for the Thunder after missing time since Dec. 13 with heel bursitis and scored nine points. Miami played without Norman Powell, who sat out with lower back soreness.
The Heat host Phoenix on Tuesday night, while the Thunder welcome San Antonio on Tuesday.
