Gilgeous-Alexander matches career high against former team
Doc Rivers was disappointed when he knew Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had to be included in the trade that brought Paul George to Los Angeles.
Disappointed because of the potential Gilgeous-Alexander possessed.
Gilgeous-Alexander showed Sunday what potential looks like when it hardens into production. The Thunder guard tied his career high with 32 points against his former Clipper squad, two nights after scoring 32 points against the Suns.
“I think I shot a worse percentage tonight so it doesn't feel as good ,” Gilgeous-Alexander said with as mile.
Gilgeous-Alexander connected on 12-of-25 shots, was 2-of-3 from behind the arc and 6-of-6 from the free throw line in the Thunder's 118-112 win against the Clippers.
“He's tough,” said Dennis Schroder, who had 28 points of his own. “His layup package, probing, just figuring out how to score. Last year I didn't see that much … but this year he's a different player.”
Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 10.8 points per game for the Clippers in his rookie season. He's averaging 19 points per game in his inaugural Thunder season.
“He looks like the same Shai,” Rivers said. “Just better at what he was doing.”
Gallinari sits, Bazley shines
Darius Bazley, and not Danilo Gallinari, was introduced in the Thunder starting lineup Sunday night. The announcement created a bit of confusion at Chesapeake Energy Arena.
Gallinari was a late scratch due to left ankle soreness that he experienced before the game. He missed a game against Utah on Dec. 9 because of a left ankle sprain.
“We're gonna always be conservative in situations like that,” Thunder coach Billy Donovan said after the game, without knowing more details about the injury.
Bazley excelled in Gallinari's absence. The rookie forward shut down Maurice Harkless, his primary matchup. Bazley skied for contested rebounds and even looked comfortable leading a fastbreak.
“Everything' sal earning experience for him, but I thought he played with really good energy and a motor,” Donovan said. “His athleticism and feel really impacted the game for us in a positive way.”
Bazley finished with seven points, eight rebounds, two assists and two steals.
Crucial challenge
Clippers big man Montrezl Harrell bullied into Thunder center Nerlens Noel and connected on an and-one that ever so briefly put the Clippers ahead 100-94 with 5:35 left in the game.
A made free throw would've given Los Angeles a sevenpoint advantage.
But Donovan challenged the play, and the call was overturned. The margin stayed at four points and the Thunder was awarded the ball.
“I just thought it was at a point where it'd be good to take
a chance on it,” Donovan said.
The Thunder outscored the Clippers 24-14 after the successful challenge.
“That was a big call for us,” Chris Paul said. “Right after that we started making some big shots. Dennis hit a big three and Shai was just unstoppable tonight.”