Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 35 points (18 in the paint), making all 15 of his free throws, and the Oklahoma City Thunder went on an 11-2 run in the fourth quarter to beat the Atlanta Hawks 121-114.
It was tied at 96 when Jeremiah Robinson-Earl’s 3-pointer put the Thunder ahead for good with 5:22 left. They pulled away to a 107-98 lead with 2:53 left.
During clutch time, the Thunder outscored the Hawks 12-1. Gilgeous-Alexander (No. 9 in clutch points, 2022-23) scored 6 of the Thunder’s 12 on 1 for 1 shooting and 4 for 4 at the line.
Ousmane Dieng scored 15 points (9 on 3 3-pointers) on 6 for 8 shooting off the bench. Josh Giddey scored 12 of his 17 points in the fourth quarter.
For the Hawks, Dejounte Murray scored 24 points. Trae Young had 23 points and 10 assists but shot 6 for 19.
The Thunder went 23 for 24 at the line to the Hawks’ 13 for 17. The Hawks turned it over 18 times, about 4 more than usual for this many possessions. The Hawks’ starters outscored the Thunder 26-16 in 11 minutes together. Jarrett Culver fouled out.