Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the OKC Thunder had their 12-game winning streak snapped on Wednesday in the final stop of their five-game road trip against the Boston Celtics. The contest turned into a physical battle with frequent whistles disrupting the flow, but the Celtics outworked OKC to secure a 119-109 victory.
One sequence that caught fans’ attention came in the fourth quarter, when Gilgeous-Alexander tried to spark the Thunder offense, which had gone cold despite holding a 13-point lead in the first half.
The reigning MVP appeared to use his left arm to create separation from Celtics guard Derrick White, and as he attempted his shot, White hustled back and made contact with Gilgeous-Alexander’s elbow, prompting the referees to call a foul.
However, many NBA fans were not pleased with how the Thunder star drew the free throws.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jaylen Brown MVP Battle Ensues in Boston
Recently, Jaylen Brown entered the MVP conversation after Michael Wilbon revealed he would pick him over Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, Victor Wembanyama and Luka Doncic.
That debate only intensified after the two stars faced off on Wednesday at TD Garden.
Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 33 points on 10-of-12 shooting from the field and the free-throw line, along with eight assists. Brown, meanwhile, had 31 points on 9-of-17 shooting and went 12-of-14 from the line, adding eight rebounds and eight assists.
But beyond their individual performances, the supporting casts ultimately made the difference in the game.
Outside of Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder shot just 28-of-68, or 41.17%, from the field, including 9-of-34, or 26.47%, from beyond the arc.
Alex Caruso was the only other OKC player with double-digit shot attempts, finishing just 3-of-11, while Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren combined for 17 points on 5-of-16 shooting.
For the Celtics, five other players scored in double figures.
Jayson Tatum recorded 19 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists, Payton Pritchard added 14 points with four triples, Neemias Queta had 13, Derrick White chipped in 12, and Baylor Scheierman contributed 11.
