NBA roundup: Gilgeous-Alexander, Holmgren power Thunder past Celtics

In a high-stakes showdown that could foreshadow the NBA Finals, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 34 points, and Chet Holmgren delivered a dominant 23-point, 15-rebound performance to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 118-112 road victory over the Boston Celtics on Wednesday. Oklahoma City, which outscored Boston 30-24 in the fourth quarter, secured its eighth win in nine games while snapping Boston’s five-game winning streak.

The game remained tight until the Thunder broke a 98-98 tie with 8:12 left, going on a decisive 15-4 run to seize control. Seven Oklahoma City players finished in double figures. Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 33 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists, while Derrick White contributed 22 points and eight boards. Al Horford added a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds.

Timberwolves Extend Streak, Knicks Edge Trail Blazers in OT Thriller

Anthony Edwards scored 29 points, and Julius Randle chipped in 25 as the Minnesota Timberwolves rolled to a 115-95 victory over the Denver Nuggets for their sixth straight win. Jaden McDaniels added 16 points, while Rudy Gobert posted a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Nikola Jokic’s 34-point effort wasn’t enough for Denver, which made just 7 of 30 three-pointers (23.3%) and dropped into a tie for second place in the Western Conference.

Meanwhile, Mikal Bridges lifted the New York Knicks to a dramatic 114-113 overtime win against the Portland Trail Blazers, draining the game-winning three-pointer as time expired. Bridges finished with 33 points on 13-of-21 shooting. Portland had briefly taken the lead with 3.4 seconds left after Deni Avdija’s three-point play, but the Knicks executed their final possession perfectly, setting up Bridges for the clutch shot.

OG Anunoby scored 23 points and grabbed seven rebounds, Karl-Anthony Towns added 21 points, and Josh Hart narrowly missed a triple-double with 11 points, 11 rebounds, and nine assists. Scoot Henderson fueled Portland’s late push, scoring 20 of his 30 points in the fourth quarter and overtime, but it wasn’t enough to avoid the team’s fifth straight loss.

Jalen Green Shines as Rockets Take Down Suns

Jalen Green erupted for 29 points, while Alperen Sengun and Dillon Brooks combined for 39 as the Houston Rockets secured their fourth straight win, defeating the Phoenix Suns 111-104. Green dominated at the free-throw line, making 10 of 11 attempts, and added seven rebounds. Sengun contributed 20 points and seven assists, while Brooks scored 19 points on efficient shooting.

Bradley Beal led the Suns with 25 points, while Kevin Durant and Devin Booker each scored 19. Despite shooting 53.4% from the field, Phoenix was plagued by 17 turnovers and suffered its fourth loss in six games.

Grizzlies, Clippers, and Raptors Secure Wins

Luke Kennard came off the bench to match his career-high with 30 points, and Ja Morant added 28 points and seven assists as the Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Utah Jazz 122-115 for their fourth straight win. Kennard and Morant knocked down crucial three-pointers in the final minute to seal the victory. Utah, now on a seven-game skid, was led by John Collins and Collin Sexton, who each scored 22 points.

James Harden recorded a triple-double with 24 points, eight rebounds, and 11 assists, leading the Los Angeles Clippers to a 119-104 win over the Miami Heat. Bogdan Bogdanovic tallied 30 points and 10 rebounds, while Ivica Zubac contributed 26 points and 14 rebounds. Miami suffered its fifth straight loss despite a 31-point performance from Tyler Herro.

In Toronto, Jared Rhoden posted a career-high 25 points and 12 rebounds, while A.J. Lawson added 28 points as the Raptors overcame a second-half push to defeat the Philadelphia 76ers 118-105. Quentin Grimes led Philadelphia with 29 points, but Toronto’s strong fourth quarter ensured the win.

Trae Young Leads Hawks, Spurs Hold Off Mavericks

Trae Young returned from injury in dominant fashion, scoring 35 points—including a perfect 21-for-21 performance from the free-throw line—and dishing out 12 assists to lead the Atlanta Hawks to a 123-110 win over the Charlotte Hornets. Young became just the eighth player in NBA history to make at least 21 free throws without a miss. Charlotte’s Miles Bridges had 31 points and 11 rebounds in the loss.

De’Aaron Fox delivered a near-triple-double with 32 points, 11 assists, and nine rebounds, powering the San Antonio Spurs to a 126-116 victory over the Dallas Mavericks. Fox recorded his highest point total since joining the Spurs, while Keldon Johnson and Jeremy Sochan each scored 18 off the bench. Reserve Brandon Williams led Dallas with 19 points.

SportsLigue