NBA Recap: Heat, Thunder, and Grizzlies Secure Thrilling Victories

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored a career-high 45 points as the Oklahoma City Thunder extended their winning streak to nine games, plus other NBA highlights.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a spectacular performance, scoring a career-high 45 points to propel the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 120-114 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Thursday. This win marked the Thunder's ninth consecutive triumph, solidifying their impressive winning streak.

Gilgeous-Alexander's outstanding display included 15-of-22 shooting from the field, 4-of-5 from beyond the 3-point arc, and a perfect 11-of-11 from the free-throw line. The 26-year-old Canadian guard also contributed seven rebounds, eight assists, two blocked shots, and a steal, showcasing his exceptional all-around skills in a masterful performance.

“It's the extra plays that put you over the edge,” Gilgeous-Alexander said after the match. 

“We have a group of guys that are hungry to do whatever it takes to win and that's why we win.”

Jalen Williams provided a strong supporting performance with 20 points, while Isaiah Hartenstein notched his 11th double-double of the season, contributing 11 points and 13 rebounds to help the Oklahoma City Thunder secure a 120-114 win over the Indiana Pacers.

The Thunder, who lead the Western Conference with a 24-5 record, are riding a nine-game winning streak despite a recent loss to Milwaukee in the NBA Cup final, which did not affect their regular-season record. According to Hartenstein, the team's success can be attributed to their genuine camaraderie. “The main thing is it's genuine,” Hartenstein said. “We're not coming in trying to fake something. We really all support each other. We're not trying to put something on for the TV or for the world to see. We're really supporting each other and I think that's what makes it special.”

The Pacers, led by Andrew Nembhard's 23 points, initially took control of the game, holding a 61-53 lead at halftime. However, the Thunder staged a strong comeback in the second half, ultimately closing the game on a 17-7 run to seal their victory.

“We didn't get off to the start we wanted,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “But that's what good teams do, play through situations and because we did that we got the W.”

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a clutch performance, scoring a career-high 45 points to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 120-114 victory over the Indiana Pacers. With 59 seconds remaining, Gilgeous-Alexander sank a crucial 3-pointer to give the Thunder a 114-109 edge. He then sealed the win by making six free throws in the final 36 seconds.

Gilgeous-Alexander's decisive 3-pointer was a testament to his hard work on improving his outside shooting. When asked about the shot, Gilgeous-Alexander said, “It feels good, but that's what the work is about.” He emphasized the importance of trusting his training and maintaining confidence, even after missing a shot. “It went in because I took the shot,” Gilgeous-Alexander explained. “In the past, I probably would have gotten discouraged missing one and not shooting it, but I would like to think I've grown a bit, enough to trust in my work, take a shot, stay true to it and it paid off tonight because of that.”

“But it's about continuing to push forward. I'm going to miss some and I'm going to make some. You've always got to stay shooting.”

Tyler Herro emerged as the hero for the Miami Heat, sinking a clutch jump shot with just 0.1 seconds remaining to secure an 89-88 thriller victory over the Orlando Magic in a thrilling Florida showdown.

Herro led the Heat with 20 points, capping off a dramatic win that came on the heels of significant news regarding the team's roster. Earlier in the day, Heat president Pat Riley announced that the team has no intention of trading All-Star forward Jimmy Butler, providing a boost to the team's morale ahead of their hard-fought win over the Magic.

The Washington Wizards, despite being the NBA's worst team, managed to improve their record to 5-23 with a thrilling 113-110 win over the Charlotte Hornets. Jordan Poole was the hero of the game, scoring 25 points, including a clutch go-ahead 3-pointer with just 8.1 seconds remaining.

In another exciting matchup, the Atlanta Hawks hosted the Chicago Bulls and came out on top with a 141-133 victory. Jalen Johnson had a standout performance, scoring 30 points and grabbing 15 rebounds, while Trae Young added 27 points and 13 assists. Despite Zach LaVine's impressive 37 points, the Bulls couldn't secure the win.

The Houston Rockets also celebrated a win, beating the host New Orleans Pelicans 128-111. Jalen Green led the charge with 30 points, while Cam Whitmore contributed 27 points off the bench, helping the Rockets secure a convincing victory.

The Milwaukee Bucks suffered a tough 111-105 loss at home to the Brooklyn Nets, with key players Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard sidelined due to illness. Cameron Johnson stepped up for the Nets, leading the team with an impressive 29 points.

In another exciting matchup, the Memphis Grizzlies dominated the visiting Toronto Raptors 155-126. Zach Edey and Jaren Jackson formed a dynamic duo, with Edey contributing 21 points and 16 rebounds, while Jackson added 21 points and 11 rebounds to secure the decisive victory for the Grizzlies.