Gilgeous-Alexander's 43 Carries Short-Handed Thunder Past Cavaliers in Cleveland

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander reminded everyone why he is the player opponents game-plan around, pouring in 43 points as a short-handed Oklahoma City Thunder side won 117-112 in Cleveland on Monday night. With six teammates unavailable, the Thunder needed their star to carry an even heavier load than usual, and he delivered, breaking a 112-112 tie with a step-back three with 32.6 seconds remaining before closing the game out. Nobody else in the contest scored more than 20 points, which underlined just how much of the offence ran through Gilgeous-Alexander down the stretch. Cleveland had no answer once the game tightened, and the Thunder's composure in the final minute contrasted with a Cavaliers side that could not find a clean look when it mattered. The win was part of a bumper 15-game Monday slate across the NBA, a night that also featured a 40-point effort in vain from Ty Jerome in Memphis and a 42-point, 13-assist masterclass from Luka Doncic as the Lakers routed Miami. For Oklahoma City, though, the story was simpler: a superstar, a skeleton crew, and a road win that keeps the early-season momentum rolling. The Thunder's depth will be tested again soon, with a rematch against Cleveland among Wednesday's 14 games, but on this evidence they have the one ingredient no depth chart can replace.