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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scores 45 points as OKC Thunder defeats Clippers

Life in the 2024 World Cup era (without Chet) hit the Thunder seconds into Monday night's game.

The Clippers wasted no time in feeding 7-foot, 240-pound center Ivica Zubac. He ended up facing a lineup without a player taller than 6-6.

But OKC wasted no time in moving Zubac. And kicking one ball after another, drawing one offensive foul after another. Life without Chet Holmgren seemed possible.

Possible. But it wasn't easy to secure a 134-128 victory until the last second.

OKC forced 23 turnovers. It held Zubac to three shots in the first half. It was swarming like you know from your small lineups.

The Thunder even led by 17 points at the start of the third quarter.

But for 48 minutes?

It was exhausting. A big task for a small, understaffed team.

Monday's win didn't happen without a look at the reality without Holmgren.

Zubac took 10 shots in the second half, nearly tripling his first-half output. He took a drop step and stretched his wingspan beyond OKC's tiny backline. He remembered who he was. And OKC screwed up the holes that came with it, as well as the shooting that the Clippers inevitably faced.

But small balls are a way of life in Smallville, OK. Eventually things turned around, and the Thunder gave James Harden (17 points, 5-for-15 shooting with five fouls and five turnovers) just enough trouble to put the game in Zubac's hands.

His hands were too big to thrive in Smallville.

More: What else do the Clippers owe the OKC Thunder for the Paul George trade? Evaluation of the 2025 pick swap

It's amazing that there are so few of them. That such a consistently dominant, skilled and unbeatable scorer had never scored 45 points before Monday night.

But Shai Gilgeous-Alexander rarely leaves, even if that means not reaching for 50 (or apparently 45) as he nears 40.

The Thunder needed every last point he delivered on Monday.

All four of his 3-pointers, this time on eight attempts. All 15 of his free throws, only missing one attempt. Every last probe, every last midrange jumper. Gilgeous-Alexander was “old-fashioned,” as coach Mark Daigneault wanted to call him after the game: according to Daigneault, it was a product of letting the game come to him.

Required reading: What else do the Clippers owe the OKC Thunder for the Paul George trade? Evaluation of the 2025 pick swap

Thunder vs Clippers live score updates

More: How will the OKC Thunder handle the frontcourt following Chet Holmgren's injury? Welcome to Smallville

What time is Thunder vs. Clippers?

  • Date: Monday, November 11th
  • Time: 7pm CT
  • Where: Paycom Center in Oklahoma City

More: OKC Thunder vs Los Angeles Clippers: Prediction, tips, injury updates and odds

  • TV: FanDuel Sports Network
  • How to watch online: Fubo (free trial)
  • Radio: WWLS 98.1FM

More: Why OKC Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's 3-point volume doesn't mean he's changed

Thunder vs Clippers odds

Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Monday, November 11th

Opportunities: Thunder at 6.5

Over/Under: 218.5

Money line: OKC-275 | Los Angeles +220

More: How the OKC Thunder's roster was constructed to protect the King: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

OKC Thunder roster

  • Alex Caruso, PG
  • Ousmane Dieng, SF
  • Luguentz Dort, SG
  • Alex Ducas, SG *
  • Adam Flagler, PG
  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, SG
  • Isaiah Hartenstein, C
  • Chet Holmgren, PF
  • Isaiah Joe, SG
  • Dillon Jones, SF
  • Ajay Mitchell, SG *
  • Alex Reese, PF
  • Nikola Topić, PG
  • Cason Wallace, SG
  • Aaron Wiggins, SG
  • Jalen Williams, SG
  • Jaylin Williams, PF
  • Kenrich Williams, PF

*-Two-way contract

More: What will the new OKC Thunder arena look like? Why architect David Manica isn't sure yet

OKC Thunder schedule

Friday, November 8th: OKC 126, Houston 107

Sunday, November 10th: vs. Golden State at 6 p.m. (FanDuel Sports Network)

Monday, November 11th: vs. Los Angeles Clippers at 7 p.m. (FanDuel Sports Network and NBA TV)

Wednesday, November 13th: vs. New Orleans at 6:30 p.m. (FanDuel Sports Network and ESPN)

Friday, November 15th (NBA Cup game): vs. Phoenix at 7 p.m. (FanDuel Sports Network)

More: Bold OKC Thunder predictions: What will Chet Holmgren and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander do?

Thunder vs Clippers highlights

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