On Wednesday, the Cleveland Cavs broke All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder’s 15-game winning streak. The Thunder returned by defeating the New York Knicks 126-101. In the win, Gilgeous-Alexander scored a game-high 39 points through three quarters. Isaiah Joe hit eight 3-pointers en route to 31 points as Oklahoma City’s defense kept New York at bay at Madison Square Garden.
After winning Gilgeous-Alexander Directed The Thunder’s rebounding approach after their loss to the Cavs, which he says has made them a better team heading into their matchup against the Knicks.
“There are a lot of games left. We have a chance to go on a lot of lines. The season didn’t end with that game. We played in games where our season ended,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “So, it wasn’t devastating for sure. We definitely have a lot of basketball to improve on. At the end of the night, we got better that night, and this is the result for us. It’s about improving, learning, and growing from experience.
Even though the Thunder lost to the Cavaliers, the team with the best record in the NBA, Gilgeous-Alexander says it’s evidence of their growth as a team.
“To get that performance after a loss is impressive across the board,” Gilgeous-Alexander added. “This growth and this progress is what we strive for more than match results. I think because of this mentality, we have been able to achieve some things.
The Thunder improved to 31-6, topping the Western Conference by 6.0 games ahead of the Houston Rockets. Gilgeous-Alexander’s 39-point performance marked the seventh straight game in which he scored more than 29 points. He has scored more than 25 points in 26 of his last 28 games.
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander gives Madison Square Garden its flowers
Thunder All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander loves playing at Madison Square Garden. This was demonstrated by his dominant 39-point performance, a feat that he only needed three quarters to reach. After the win, he talked about the importance of playing at MSG.
“Madison Square Garden, next to Paycom, is probably the best arena in the NBA,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “It has a feel to it. Kids these days say aura. But it’s there [feeling] In the square. There is an aura, a feeling. The fans are very involved in the game. There oh, there oh. I think the city as a whole, New York, loves basketball. You can feel it there.”
The Thunder will continue their four-game road trip against the Wizards on Sunday.
