Oklahoma.i home – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 28 points, and the Oklahoma City Thunder tied the NBA’s best start through 25 games of a season by beating the Phoenix Suns 138-89 in the NBA Cup quarterfinals on Wednesday.
The Thunder’s 24-1 record matched that of the Golden State Warriors, who in 2015-16 won their first 24 games before finally losing.
Chet Holmgren added 24 points and eight rebounds for the Thunder, who set a franchise record with their 16th straight victory. On Saturday, they will play the semifinal against San Antonio.
It looked like this could be a tough game for the Thunder. Oklahoma City’s 123-119 victory over the Suns in NBA Cup pool play on Nov. 28 was its closest game during its winning streak.
But Phoenix star Devin Booker missed his third straight game with a right groin strain. He scored 21 points in the previous matchup and expressed in the subsequent press conference that the “secret is out” about the league-leading Thunder defense.
It seems like the Suns have more puzzles to figure out. They shot 39.3% from the field and scored their lowest point total of the season in the most lopsided loss in franchise history.
Dillon Brooks led the Suns with 16 points, but made just 4 of 16 shots. It was the fewest points Oklahoma City has allowed this season.
Jalen Williams hit a 3-pointer at the halftime buzzer to give the Thunder a 74-48 lead. Gilgeous-Alexander scored 17 points in the first half despite only attempting eight shots.
Gilgeous-Alexander reached 96 consecutive duels with at least 20 points. He reached the total with a fast-break dunk that put the Thunder up 84-50 with 9:15 left in the third quarter.
Phoenix guard Grayson Allen was ejected after shoving Holmgren and knocking him to the ground.
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