In a thrilling NBA matchup on Wednesday, the Oklahoma City Thunder secured their 10th consecutive victory, dominating the Minnesota Timberwolves 113-105. This win improved their record to an impressive 18-1, marking the Thunder as one of only five teams in league history to achieve such a strong start to the season.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Shines Despite Illness
The Thunder’s star player, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, fought through illness, scoring 40 points, alongside six rebounds, six assists, and three steals. His resilience was highlighted when he stated, “We’re just taking it day by day, taking the challenge by the challenge.”
Thunder’s Historic Performance
This season, the Thunder has not only remained unbeaten at home but also sits atop NBA Cup West Group A, holding a 3-0 record. A victory against the Phoenix Suns on Friday will complete their group sweep.
Competitive Matchup with Timberwolves
In a notable duel, Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards also delivered a strong performance with 31 points. With one minute left, he made a three-pointer, closing the gap to 105-104. However, Gilgeous-Alexander and teammate Chet Holmgren ensured victory for the Thunder in the final moments.
Celtics End Pistons’ Streak
Meanwhile, in the Eastern Conference, the Boston Celtics halted the Detroit Pistons’ 13-game winning streak with a close 117-114 victory on their home court. Jaylen Brown led Boston with 33 points and 10 rebounds, while Derrick White contributed significantly with a season-high 27 points.
- The Pistons, despite Cade Cunningham’s 42 points, fell short of a franchise-record 14 straight wins.
- This loss drew parallels with the Pistons teams of 1989-90 and 2003-04 that won NBA titles, both of which had similar winning streaks.
NBA Cup Standings and Upcoming Challenges
Boston’s victory moved them to 10-8, solidifying their standing in the NBA Cup. The Celtics will face further challenges as the group play concludes on Friday.
For the Pistons, the loss places them second in NBA Cup East Group A, while the Orlando Magic leads with a record of 3-0. A crucial match against the Magic is on the horizon for Detroit.
Other Highlights from Wednesday
- The Toronto Raptors continued their winning streak with a last-second 97-95 victory over the Indiana Pacers.
- The Miami Heat achieved their sixth consecutive win, defeating the Milwaukee Bucks 106-103, with Tyler Herro scoring 29 points.
All eyes are on the next round of games, where the Thunder and Celtics aim to maintain their winning momentum as the NBA season progresses.
