Gilgeous-Alexander powers Thunder past Raptors

OKLAHOMA CITY 123 TORONTO 103

TORONTO — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander grew up watching “NBA legends” at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena. It’s arguable he’s on his way to becoming one himself.

Gilgeous-Alexander scored 23 points with eight assists and seven rebounds as the Oklahoma City Thunder rolled past the hurting Toronto Raptors 123-103 on Friday.

“I grew up coming to games here, watching Chris Bosh and a bunch of NBA legends playing in this building,” said Gilgeous-Alexander. “It’s always a surreal moment.

“Having my friends and family in the crowd is even more special.”

Gilgeous-Alexander entered the game averaging 30.9 points, 6.4 assists, and 5.6 rebounds per game for Oklahoma City (48-20). He’s shooting 54.4 per cent on his field-goal attempts — making him the most accurate guard in the NBA — and his two steals per game are the most in the league.

He was officially given the Northern Star Award as Canada’s best athlete in 2023 on Friday morning. A panel of sports media from across the country selected GilgeousAlexander as the award’s winner in December but he wasn’t able to receive the trophy until the Thunder’s one and only trip north of the border this season.

Chet Holmgren had a double-double with 18 points and 10 boards as Oklahoma City (49-20) won its fourth straight. Jalen Williams added 20 points and Montreal’s Lu Dort scored 10.

Rookie Gradey Dick led Toronto (23-47) with 21 points. Kelly Olynyk of Kamloops had 16 points, six rebounds and five assists as the ailing Raptors dropped their ninth game in a row.