Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 33 points to lead the host Oklahoma City Thunder to its first win of the season, 108-94 over the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday.
Tre Mann added 25 points for the Thunder, which was without Josh Giddey, who suffered an ankle injury Sunday in a loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Aaron Wiggins, making his first start of the season, added 11 points and 10 rebounds Tuesday.
Luke Kennard led the Clippers with 15 points off the bench. Ivica Zubac tallied 10 points, 14 rebounds and seven blocks.
At the start of the day, Gilgeous-Alexander was listed as out with a right hip contusion that had kept him out Sunday. But Gilgeous-Alexander returned to the lineup and helped the Thunder win for the first time this season after an 0-3 start.
The Thunder took control for good with a 21-0 third-quarter run. Gilgeous-Alexander fueled that run, scoring eight points during the stretch that lasted five minutes. The Clippers missed nine consecutive shots during the surge while also tallying six turnovers.
Los Angeles finished with 18 turnovers, while Oklahoma City turned the ball over just five times. The Thunder had averaged 12 turnovers per game during its 0-3 start.
Oklahoma City outscored the Clippers 23-3 off turnovers.
The Thunder won despite shooting just 13.3 percent (4 of 30) from behind the 3-point line.
Gilgeous-Alexander made both of his 3-pointers, though, and was 11 of 22 overall from the floor. He made all nine of his free throws.
While the Thunder got one of two injured standouts back, the Clippers were very short-handed.
Kawhi Leonard was out after experiencing stiffness in his surgically repaired right knee, Paul George missed the game due to non-COVID illness and Marcus Morris Sr. was out for personal reasons.
Leonard, who missed all of last season after suffering an ACL tear, will travel back to Los Angeles on Wednesday for treatment.
Morris won’t play in Thursday’s second game at Oklahoma City, while George’s status is up in the air.
–Field Level Media
