Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 37 points (7 during a 17-0 run in the third quarter), and the Oklahoma City Thunder went on a 22-4 run in the third quarter to beat the Miami Heat 107-100.
The Heat led 65-51 with 9:31 left in the third quarter. Jalen Williams’ 3-pointer put the Thunder ahead for good with 5:01 left in the quarter. Gilgeous-Alexander scored 9 points during the run, and they led 73-69 with 1:55 left in the quarter.
The Heat got within 87-86 on Jimmy Butler III’s free throw with 7:16 to play, but Aaron Wiggins answered with a driving dunk, and the Heat got no closer.
During clutch time, the Thunder outscored the Heat 13-1. Gilgeous-Alexander (No. 2 in clutch wins added, 2023-24) scored 9 of the Thunder’s 13 on 3 for 3 shooting and 2 for 2 at the line.
For the Heat, Jaime Jaquez Jr. had 25 points (14 in the paint) and 3 steals on 10 for 13 shooting off the bench, and Butler added 20 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists.
The Heat forced 9 turnovers, about 4 fewer than usual for this many possessions. The Heat outscored the Thunder 43-30 in 15 minutes with Mills, Butler, Martin, Jović and Jaquez on the floor together.