Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Tyrese Maxey delivered inspired performances on Tuesday night as Oklahoma City Thunder and Philadelphia 76ers both preserved their perfect starts to the new NBA season.
Gilgeous-Alexander, last season’s MVP and Finals hero, scored 31 points to lead the reigning champions to a 107–101 comeback win over the Sacramento Kings, pushing Oklahoma City to 5–0.
Despite missing Chet Holmgren through injury, the Thunder overturned a late deficit with help from Aaron Wiggins and Ajay Mitchell, who added 18 points each. Lu Dort’s clutch three-pointer with just over two minutes remaining sealed the victory.
“We did what it took to win,” Gilgeous-Alexander said after guiding his side through a gritty fourth-quarter rally.
In Washington, the Sixers showed similar resilience, erasing a 19-point deficit to edge the Wizards 139–134 in overtime and move to 4–0.
Maxey once again starred, dropping 39 points and 10 assists in another electric display, while Joel Embiid added 25 before sitting out overtime. Rookie Adem Bona made his mark with a vital put-back dunk and five blocks to help secure the win.
“It was really amazing to be able to pull away with this one,” Bona said. “We came together and put it together.”
Elsewhere, Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 37 points as the Milwaukee Bucks overturned a 12-point halftime deficit to beat the New York Knicks 121–111.
With Gilgeous-Alexander and Maxey setting the early pace, the Thunder and Sixers remain the only unbeaten teams in the NBA, both looking sharp and hungry for more
