Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Powers Thunder to 14th Straight Win; Rockets Dominate Suns
The Oklahoma City Thunder extended their league-best winning streak to a commanding fourteen games on Friday night, defeating the Dallas Mavericks 132-111 at home, while the Houston Rockets produced a dominant performance to beat the Phoenix Suns 117-98. Both matchups provided significant headlines as the NBA season approaches its mid-point.
Thunder Roll Past Mavericks
Reigning NBA Most Valuable Player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a clinical performance, scoring 33 points in just three quarters to spearhead the Thunder’s decisive victory over the Mavericks. Gilgeous-Alexander was exceptionally efficient, converting ten of twelve field goals and making eleven of twelve free throws before resting for the entire final period. The win improves Oklahoma City’s stellar record to 22-1, the best start to a season since the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors. The Thunder’s deep lineup also saw valuable contributions from Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, who each finished with 15 points. For the Mavericks, who had won three straight games prior to the matchup, the loss was compounded by an off-night for star forward Anthony Davis, who scored only two points on one-for-nine shooting.
Rockets Power Past Suns on Durant’s Milestone Night
In Houston, the Rockets secured a decisive 117-98 victory over the Phoenix Suns, largely thanks to a huge second quarter and a historic performance from forward Kevin Durant. Durant led the Rockets with 28 points, a total that saw him become the eighth player in NBA history to surpass 31,000 career points. The game marked Durant’s first against his former Suns team since a blockbuster trade, which sent former Rockets Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks to Phoenix. Rookie Amen Thompson added a season-high 31 points for the Rockets, who have now won five of their last six games. The Suns struggled without injured star Devin Booker, with Dillon Brooks leading the team with 23 points in the losing effort.
