Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Isaiah Joe powered the Oklahoma City Thunder to a commanding 126-101 victory over the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Friday.
Gilgeous-Alexander scored in 39 points, while Joe added 31 off the bench with eight three-pointers.
The Thunder, recovering from a tough loss to Cleveland earlier in the week, stormed to an early 31-17 first-quarter lead and never looked back, holding a 70-43 advantage at halftime.
The win cements Oklahoma City’s position atop the Western Conference standings with a 31-6 record.
Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics suffered a shocking 114-97 defeat to the Sacramento Kings at TD Garden.
Domantas Sabonis dominated with 23 points and a career-high 28 rebounds, supported by DeMar DeRozan’s 24 points.
The Celtics struggled offensively, shooting just 40.5% from the field and 28% from three-point range.
In other games, Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Milwaukee Bucks with a 41-point masterpiece in a narrow 109-106 win over the Orlando Magic.
Paolo Banchero, returning from injury, tallied 34 points but couldn’t secure a Magic victory.
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 123-115 despite the absence of Zion Williamson, who was suspended for tardiness.
C.J. McCollum scored a game-high 38 points, while Tyrese Maxey led the Sixers with 30.
Finally, the Indiana Pacers handed the struggling Golden State Warriors a 108-96 loss in Indianapolis, deepening the Warriors’ woes.
