NBA roundup: Gilgeous-Alexander leads Thunder past Pacers, keeping 70-win season hopes alive

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered another stellar performance with 33 points as the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers 132-111 on Saturday night, extending their winning streak to nine games and preserving their chance to make NBA history.

The Thunder, now sitting at 62 victories with eight regular-season games remaining, could become just the third team in NBA history to reach the 70-win milestone if they win all their remaining games. Only the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors and 1995-96 Chicago Bulls have previously accomplished this remarkable feat.

Oklahoma City's offensive attack was well-balanced, with Luguentz Dort contributing 22 points on efficient 8-of-11 shooting including six three-pointers. Jalen Williams added 18 points and six assists, while Isaiah Joe provided a spark off the bench with 19 points and five three-pointers.

Indiana had seven players score in double figures, led by Tyrese Haliburton's 18 points. Andrew Nembhard added 16 points, Obi Toppin scored 12, and both Pascal Siakam and Myles Turner finished with 11 points each in the losing effort.

Elsewhere around the NBA, the Orlando Magic showcased their league-leading defense in a 121-91 victory over the Sacramento Kings, with Caleb Houstan providing unexpected firepower off the bench by hitting six of seven three-point attempts. Paolo Banchero led Orlando with 24 points, while DeMar DeRozan paced the Kings with 21.

The Brooklyn Nets snapped their six-game losing streak with a 115-112 win over the Washington Wizards behind 20-point performances from both Jalen Wilson and Tyrese Martin. The Dallas Mavericks edged the Chicago Bulls 120-119 with Klay Thompson hitting crucial free throws in the final seconds, while Miami dominated Philadelphia 118-95 with Tyler Herro scoring 30 points.

The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 134-127 despite Memphis playing under interim coach Tuomas Iisalo following Taylor Jenkins' firing. The Boston Celtics extended their season-best winning streak to eight games with a comfortable 121-111 victory over the San Antonio Spurs, as Jayson Tatum recorded 29 points and 10 rebounds.

SportsLigue