Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 36 points on his return from injury as the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Denver Nuggets 127-121 in overtime.
The reigning NBA Most Valuable Player had missed nine games with an abdominal strain sustained on 3 February. He logged 34 minutes in his comeback appearance but watched from the bench during overtime as the Thunder secured victory.
“Felt good,” said Gilgeous-Alexander. “I’m just thankful to be back.”
Fiery contest in Denver
The 27-year-old made an immediate impact, opening his scoring with a lay-up. He was later assessed a technical foul after throwing the ball at Denver’s Nikola Jokic following contact after the whistle.
Tempers flared again when Thunder forward Luguentz Dort was ejected for a flagrant foul after tripping Jokic, triggering a brief shoving exchange that resulted in technical fouls for Jokic and Oklahoma City’s Jaylin Williams.
Caruso seals overtime win
Alex Caruso had a chance to win it in regulation, but his drive at the buzzer rolled off the rim, sending the game into overtime.
The Thunder responded strongly in the extra period, scoring the first five points and holding on to claim their sixth win in eight games.
The result keeps Oklahoma City two games clear of the San Antonio Spurs at the top of the Western Conference.
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