Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Drops Career-High 54 Points in Thunder Win

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored a career-high 54 points Wednesday night, leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 119-110 victory over the Utah Jazz. The star guard surpassed his previous career best of 45 points, shooting 17-of-35 from the field and 17-of-18 from the free-throw line.

“It’s always fun to get career highs, always fun to knock things off your list,” Gilgeous-Alexander said after the game. “And to have the support of the city behind you is special for sure.”

Gilgeous-Alexander became the first Thunder player to score 50 points in a game since Russell Westbrook in 2017. He also joined Westbrook, Kevin Durant, and Paul George as the only players in Thunder history to record 50 points, five rebounds, and five assists in a single game.

The Thunder (36-7) are now tied with the Cleveland Cavaliers for the NBA’s best record. Jalen Williams contributed 25 points, while Chet Holmgren added 22 points and 12 rebounds. For the Jazz (10-32), John Collins scored 22 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, while Collin Sexton and Walker Kessler combined for 35 points and 24 rebounds.

Gilgeous-Alexander scored 23 points in the first half, helping Oklahoma City take a 57-55 lead at halftime. He added 18 points in the third quarter, extending the Thunder’s lead to 95-89. After a brief rest to start the fourth quarter, Gilgeous-Alexander returned to hit a crucial 3-pointer, giving the Thunder a 115-106 lead and sealing his career night.

“I felt like I could’ve had a lot more, and I know that’s going to sound very spoiled,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “I feel like I didn’t really have that great of a night, left a few on the table; but there’s room to improve, and that’s a good thing.”

The Jazz, the worst team in the Western Conference, lost their fourth straight game despite a competitive effort. Gilgeous-Alexander’s performance further solidified his case for the Kia NBA MVP award, as he now has five 40-point games since Dec. 23, tying him with reigning MVP Nikola Jokic for the most such games this season.