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Reigning NBA Most Valuable Player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander fought through illness to score 40 points and lead Oklahoma City to a 10th consecutive victory on Wednesday while Detroit’s win streak was snapped at 13 games.
Gilgeous-Alexander, questionable with illness until game time, added six rebounds, six assists and three steals as the defending champion Thunder became only the fifth team in league history to start a season 18-1 or better by outlasting Minnesota 113-105.
“We’re just taking it day by day, taking the challenge by the challenge,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “Whatever it is, we find a way to come out on top and I’m impressed by this group’s ability to do so."
The Pistons, however, had their victory run ended at Boston, where a missed Cade Cunningham free throw in the final seconds proved pivotal in a 117-114 loss.
Jaylen Brown scored 33 points and grabbed 10 rebounds while Derrick White added a season-high 27 points, 25 in the second half, as Boston improved to 10-8 on the US Thanksgiving holiday eve.
“Really makes a statement,” White said. “It’s fun. We can enjoy Thanksgiving then we’ve got another challenge.”
At Oklahoma City, Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards and Gilgeous-Alexander staged a classic duel, “Ant Man” settling for 31 points in defeat. Edwards made a three-pointer with 1:00 remaining to lift the Timberwolves within 105-104, but the Thunder’s Chet Holmgren made a three-pointer and Gilgeous-Alexander sank three free throws in the dying seconds to secure the triumph.
“We had control of the game early but we knew they were going to fight,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “It just took us making plays at both ends of the floor down the stretch, figuring out a way to come out of here with a W and we did so.”
As for his illness, the Canadian looked forward to a holiday revival.
“I’m good. I’m tired,” he said. “Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. I’ll get a lot of food and fuel in me and I’ll be OK.”
The NBA-best Thunder (18-1) became only the fifth team in NBA history to open a campaign so well, the first since Golden State began 19-0 in the 2015-16 season.
The Thunder, unbeaten at home, rose to 3-0 in NBA Cup West Group A and can complete a group sweep with a home victory Friday over Phoenix.
All Wednesday games were in the NBA Cup mid-season tournament, which closes group play on Friday.
Toronto has clinched the East Group A crown and the Los Angeles Lakers have taken the West Group B title.
Three group winners and a wildcard team from each conference advance to the knockout stage, which starts on December 9.
Minnesota was eliminated from Cup contention by the loss and a 133-128 Memphis overtime win at New Orleans.
