Gilgeous-Alexander has big 2nd half to help Thunder rally past Heat, 107-100
Fri, Mar 8, 2024
NBA News (AP)
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 23 of his 37 points in the second half and the Oklahoma City Thunder overcame a 14-point deficit to beat the Miami Heat 107-100 on Friday night.
Gilgeous-Alexander made 13 of 25 field goals and 9 of 11 free throws. The NBA's No. 2 scorer was greeted with "M-V-P! M-V-P!" chants when he went to the line in the fourth quarter as he helped Oklahoma City take control.
Jalen Williams scored 15 points and Josh Giddey added 11 points, nine rebounds and six assists for the Thunder.
Miami rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr. scored 25 points. Jimmy Butler added 20 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists.
Miami led 57-47 at halftime behind 50% shooting. Jaquez scored 17 points on 6-for-7 shooting before the break.
The Heat extended the lead to 65-51 the third quarter, but Oklahoma City erased its deficit four minutes later. Gilgeous-Alexander tied it at 65 on a free throw after a basket midway through the period. The Thunder took a 68-65 lead on a 3-pointer by Williams that Gilgeous-Alexander assisted to close out a 17-0 run.
The Thunder led 77-73 at the end of the third after holding Miami to 5-for-17 shooting in the period. Gilgeous-Alexander scored 11 points in the quarter to help Oklahoma City outscore Miami 30-16.
Gilgeous-Alexander took his usual rest to start the fourth, and Oklahoma City led 87-85 when he subbed back in with 7:16 remaining. He scored 12 points the rest of the way to keep the Thunder in control.
UP NEXT
Heat: Host Washington on Sunday night.
Thunder: Host Memphis on Sunday night.
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