With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren at the forefront, the defending champion OKC Thunder stormed through the fourth quarter to overwhelm the Houston Rockets for a fifth-straight win.
When the moment called to dial in, the OKC Thunder responded like true champions.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander poured in 20 points as the Thunder leaned on a dominant fourth quarter to blast past the Houston Rockets, 113–91, securing their fifth straight win on Friday, January 16 (PH time).
The reigning MVP extended his remarkable streak to 113 consecutive games scoring 20 or more points, the second-longest in NBA history behind Wilt Chamberlain’s 124-game run in the 1962–63 season.
Chet Holmgrencontributed across the board with 18 points, nine rebounds, and four blocks, while Ajay Mitchell provided a spark off the bench with 17 points.
After a tightly contested first three quarters, OKC erupted with a 23–8 run to start the fourth, grabbing a 100–83 lead with 4:13 remaining and outscoring Houston 34–16 in the final frame to improve to a league-best 35–7 record.
For the Rockets, Kevin Durant led the way with 19 points but struggled with his shot, going 7-for-23 from the field.
Jabari Smith added 17 points, and Alperen Sengün recorded a double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds.
Houston has now lost four of their last five games, dropping to 23–15.
The Thunder travel to Miami to take on the Heat (21–19), while the Rockets get set to host the Minnesota Timberwolves (27–14).
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Pao Ambat earned his journalism degree from Cavite State University in 2022.
Passionate about sports from a young age, he primarily covers the NBA for One Sports, while also assisting in reporting on the PVL, PBA, UAAP, and other leagues.