Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scorches Heat for 37 points

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s second half performance allowed the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Miami Heat, 107-100, on Saturday, Philippine time.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander against the Heat today

37 points
6 assists
5 rebounds
1 steal
2 blocks
13/25 shooting
+17

30 🍔#47 tying the franchise record for the MVP pic.twitter.com/EXmtU3L5IS

— TF (@ThunderFocus) March 9, 2024

He finished with a game-high 37 points, scoring 23 of which in the second half. He made 13 of 25 field goals and 9 of 11 free throws.

The Thunder’s MVP candidate scored 12 in the fourth quarter to put the Thunder in position for a win. Jalen Williams’ bucket in the final minute, followed by Jimmy Butler’s missed 3-pointer, sealed the Thunder’s win.

A 12-2 run in the second quarter, including eight points from Patty Mills, helped the Heat open their first double-digit lead. The Thunder would cut into the deficit but trailed by 10 at halftime.

Miami was up by 14 points early in the second half but the Thunder was able to concoct a 17-0 run after a JDub 3-pointer.

Jalen Williams connects from beyond the arc to cap a 17-0 OKC run to recapture the lead!

Heat-Thunder | Live on the NBA App
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— NBA (@NBA) March 9, 2024

In that run, the Heat went on a scoring drought that lasted nearly six minutes. After the Thunder took the lead, the teams traded scores for the rest of the quarter before SGA’s jumper gave the Thunder a four-point lead entering the final frame.

Although they got another 30-point night from Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder received only seven points from Chet Holmgren and 15 points from Williams. It proved enough though as the team went home with the the impressive win.

Heat’s young star Jamie Jacquez Jr. had a hot shooting night with 25. His 11-point outburst helped Miami take a two-point lead into the second quarter.

Jimmy Butler showed up with 20 markers, 10 rebounds, and eight assists. Terry Rozier pitched in 15 points.

The Thunder moved a half-game ahead of Minnesota for the West lead, with the Timberwolves falling in overtime at Cleveland. Miami’s hanging on to the No. 6 spot in the East with a 35-28 record.

What he said

SGA got poetic when he was asked about how he remains consistent with his offense on the floor for the Thunder.

“My whole life is consistent.”

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