Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scores 46 points and saves the Thunder against the Jazz in overtime
Jan 7, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) passes against the Utah Jazz during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a masterful performance Wednesday night in Oklahoma City, scoring 46 points to lead the Thunder to a crucial 129-125 overtime victory against the Utah Jazz. This win ends a two-game losing streak for the reigning champions.
A decisive clutch shot to force overtime
The Canadian guard showed all his composure by hitting a shot near the free-throw line at the buzzer, tying the game and forcing overtime. Gilgeous-Alexander didn’t let up afterward, adding nine crucial points to seal the Thunder victory.
This remarkable performance allows the reigning MVP to extend his streak of consecutive games with at least 20 points to 109 games, the second-longest streak in NBA history. Chet Holmgren provided valuable support with 23 points and 12 rebounds, while Jalen Williams (17 points) and Ajay Mitchell (16 points) also contributed to this collective victory.
A spectacular comeback after trailing by eight points
The Thunder had taken a 20-point lead in the second quarter, but Utah gradually closed the gap to lead 53-58 at halftime. The Jazz continued their comeback in the second half, even taking the lead 70-69 with a basket from Jusuf Nurkic.
Oklahoma City found itself trailing by eight points with just over five minutes remaining in regulation before starting their comeback. Lauri Markkanen had given Utah a 114-112 lead with an acrobatic basket with three seconds left, before Gilgeous-Alexander responded.
This victory comes after a difficult period for the Thunder, who had lost six of their last twelve games after an exceptional season start of 24 wins and one loss. The most notable defeat was the one suffered against Charlotte on Tuesday night (124-97). Oklahoma City hadn’t lost three consecutive games in the regular season since April 2024.
On the Utah side, Lauri Markkanen (29 points, 13 rebounds), Keyonte George (25 points, 11 assists) and Jusuf Nurkic (15 points, 15 rebounds) delivered strong performances, but it wasn’t enough to avoid a fifth consecutive loss for the Jazz.
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