Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 32 points (8 during an 11-0 run in the second quarter), and the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the defending champion Toronto Raptors 98-97.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s floater answered Fred VanVleet’s 2 free throws and put the Thunder back ahead for good with 36 seconds left in the fourth quarter.
The Raptors had the ball down 1, but VanVleet missed a pull-up 3-pointer with 16.4 seconds left that would have put them ahead.
During clutch time, the Thunder outscored the Raptors 8-7. Chris Paul (No. 1 in clutch points, 2019-20) scored 4 of the Thunder’s 8 on 2 for 2 shooting. Late in the fourth quarter, Steven Adams had 2 steals, both with the game within five points.
Paul had 25 points, a season-high 11 rebounds and 8 assists, and Nerlens Noel added 13 points (10 in the paint), 3 steals and 3 blocks off the bench.
For the Raptors, VanVleet had 20 points and 8 assists, and OG Anunoby went 0 for 7 from 3. Kyle Lowry scored 20 points.
The Raptors did not make a field goal in the last 3:35.