OKC Thunder: Mega triple-double punctuates Gilgeous-Alexander’s best 2019-20 performances

Marvelous homecoming performance:

On the 29th of December, the Thunder traveled to SGA’s homeland of Canada to take on the Toronto Raptors. And SGA did not disappoint in front of not only his home fans but family and friends in the stands. He played a spectacular game and topped it off by hitting the game-winning shot.

With less than a minute left, Chris Paul swung the ball out to SGA at the three-point line. The Thunder was down 97-96 and with 36.7 seconds left on the clock. SGA took matters into his own hands, drove down the lane in traffic, and put up a shot off the backboard to put OKC in front.

It was brilliant and displayed his ability to embrace big moments in games. He finished with 32 points (the most by a Canadian against the Raptors), seven rebounds, three steals, and two assists. And it was the third time in five matches that he’d put up 32 points.

Even with persistent defense, SGA was unstoppable. He continued to exchange shots with the Raptors and was diligent on the defensive side, playing with courage and conviction right until the end.

As a side benefit, Raptors coach Nick Nurse got to witness the player he would be game-planning with as he is the Canadian National Men’s team head coach.