Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scores a career-high 54 points in the win over the Jazz

On January 23, 2025By Littum

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues his Kia NBA MVP campaign with a career-high 54 points vs. Utah.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored a career-high 54 points and the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Utah Jazz 123-114 on Wednesday night.

Gilgeous-Alexander made 17 of 35 field goals and 17 of 18 free throws to surpass his previous career best of 45 points. He also had eight rebounds, five assists and three steals.

Jalen Williams added 25 points for the Thunder (36-7), who are tied with Cleveland for the league’s best record.

John Collins had 22 points and 12 rebounds, Collin Sexton had 18 points and nine assists and Walker Kessler had 17 points and 15 rebounds for the Jazz, who lost their fourth straight.

Utah (10-32), the worst team in the Western Conference, hung tough throughout.

Gilgeous-Alexander scored 23 points in the first half to help Oklahoma City take a 57-55 halftime lead. He scored 18 points in the third quarter as the Thunder took a 95-89 lead.

Gilgeous-Alexander took a layup to start the final quarter and the Thunder led 102-99 when he checked back in. He hit a 3-pointer that gave the Thunder a 115-106 lead and secured his career night.