Young Australian Josh Giddey performed one other essential supporting function as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander blew away the Cleveland Cavaliers with a dominating efficiency for Oklahoma City within the NBA.
Gilgeous-Alexander scored 35 factors, his fourth consecutive complete of not less than 30, because the Thunder beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 112-100 on Friday night time.
Gilgeous-Alexander made 12 of 21 pictures and added eight assists and 5 rebounds. Jalen Williams added 17 factors and made all three of his 3-point makes an attempt.
Darius Garland had 31 factors and 13 assists for Cleveland, who performed once more with out All-Star Donovan Mitchell due to a groin damage.
The Thunder gained for the sixth time in eight video games as they contend for a Western Conference play-in berth, whereas the Cavaliers completed their three-game highway swing at 30-21.
The 20-year-old Giddey had 15 factors, six rebounds and three assists for the Thunder, which included a artful reverse layup to place his aspect forward 83-81 with 9 minutes remaining. Oklahoma City by no means misplaced that lead.
“Defensively, we were locked in and executed what we wanted to,” Giddey mentioned.
“We knew they were the best defence in the league. We knew getting stuff at the rim wasn’t going to be easy, so guys made the right plays.
“We did a number of actually good issues down the stretch there and that is a very good crew.
“The way we closed that game out shows we’re trending in the right direction.”
In Indianapolis, Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 41 factors and grabbed 12 rebounds because the Milwaukee Bucks held on for a 141-131 win over the Indiana Pacers.
In a scoring onslaught for Milwaukee, Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton pitched in with 23 and 17 factors respectively.
Seven Bucks gamers scored in double figures, together with Brook Lopez (15), Pat Connaughton (14), Jevon Carter (12) and Grayson Allen (10).
Myles Turner led the best way for Indiana with 24 with Buddy Hield shut behind with 22.
In Miami, Jimmy Butler had 29 factors, Bam Adebayo added 20 and the Miami Heat rallied once more within the fourth quarter to beat the Orlando Magic 110-105.
Meanwhile, Anthony Edwards scored 13 of his 25 factors within the third quarter, whereas D’Angelo Russell added 19 factors because the Timberwolves beat the short-handed Memphis Grizzlies 111-100.
Steph Curry notched 35 factors and 11 assists for Golden State Warriors as they beat the Toronto Raptors 129-117, thanks in no small half to a 31-point fourth quarter.
Klay Thompson added 29 factors, hitting 3-pointers regardless of starting the night time 0 for five from past the arc, whereas Fred VanVleet had 28 factors and 10 assists for Toronto.
– with Reuters, AP
Source: www.perthnow.com.au