Sat Nov 29 05:00:00 UTC 2025: News Article:

Illness No Match for Gilgeous-Alexander as Thunder Storm Past Timberwolves in NBA Cup Action

OKLAHOMA CITY – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander battled through illness to deliver a dominant 40-point performance, leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 113-105 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in NBA Cup play Wednesday night. Despite being listed as questionable before the game, Gilgeous-Alexander showed no signs of slowing down, shooting 12-of-19 from the field and a stellar 15-of-17 from the free-throw line.

The win marks the Thunder’s 10th consecutive victory and solidifies their position as one of the league’s hottest teams, starting the season with an impressive 18-1 record, the fifth-best start in NBA history. The Thunder are now 4-0 in West Group A, positioning them well for a spot in the NBA Cup knockout stage.

Gilgeous-Alexander also extended his streak of scoring at least 20 points to 91 consecutive games, placing him third all-time behind Wilt Chamberlain’s two streaks. He has a chance to match Chamberlain’s second-place record of 92 straight on Friday against the Phoenix Suns.

Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 31 points and eight rebounds, keeping Minnesota competitive with several clutch shots. However, their struggles from the free-throw line, shooting only 22-of-37, proved costly.

This game was a rematch of last season’s Western Conference Finals series where the Thunder prevailed 4-1. The last time the Timberwolves were in Oklahoma City, the Thunder clinched the series in Game 5 with a dominant 124-94 win.

In other news for Oklahoma City, Kenrich Williams made his season debut in the first quarter after recovering from a left knee injury.

The Thunder led early, finishing the first quarter 24-17, holding Minnesota to their second-lowest quarter point total of the season. Gilgeous-Alexander’s 19 first-half points helped Oklahoma City establish a 49-39 lead at halftime.

Minnesota rallied in the third quarter, tying the game twice, but Oklahoma City regained control to take a 78-71 lead into the final frame.

Edwards’ contested three-pointer brought the Timberwolves within one point in the final minute, but Chet Holmgren responded with a clutch corner three for the Thunder, giving them a four-point lead with 38 seconds remaining, sealing the victory. The Thunder closed the game on an 8-1 run.

Looking Ahead:

The Timberwolves return home to host the Boston Celtics on Saturday. The Thunder will face the Phoenix Suns at home on Friday night.

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