Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s incredible 3rd quarter results in 23 points
By Rylan Stiles
The Oklahoma City Thunder fell late to the Minnesota Timberwolves as those two teams wrapped up their season series before Christmas, already seeing each other four times. The OKC Thunder lose the season matchup three games to one, but the story from this game was star point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander going for 23 points in the third frame.
The Thunder have seen Shai Gilgeous-Alexander truly transform into this MVP-caliber guard, playing at an extremely high level averaging 31 points, four rebounds, and five assists so far this season while shooting 50 percent from the floor and getting to the line ten times per game.
Oklahoma City Thunder star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander explodes for 23 third-quarter points in a loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night at the Paycom Center
The Oklahoma City Thunder once again had to battle from behind the eight ball, getting down by as many as 14 points to the Timberwolves before battling back to the tune of 14 lead changes, 10 times tied, and another shot to win it down the stretch of the game before the youngsters ultimately lost the contest by two.
However, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander once again put on a special display of excellence in front of the Paycom Center crowd that saw the OKC Thunder star guard go for 23 points in the third quarter alone on his way to 35 points in total.
However, it was not just the scoring in the third, the 23 points on 63 percent shooting will draw the eyeballs, SGA also dished out a couple of assists, swiped a steal, and hauled in a rebound amid all his tough-mid-range bucket getting. He also knocked home two three-pointers to help OKC take the lead at the end of the third frame before falling in the fourth.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 23-point outburst helped Oklahoma City win the third quarter 41-25. The Oklahoma City Thunder now see their losing streak extend to five games, and have a tough test on the second night of a back-to-back against the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night in the Paycom Center.