Key Highlights
- Oklahoma City Thunder remain unbeaten with a thrilling comeback win over Sacramento Kings.
- Philadelphia 76ers also remained undefeated after an overtime victory against Washington Wizards.
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 31 points, including nine in the fourth quarter to secure their win.
- Tyrese Maxey scored 39 points and handed out 10 assists for the 76ers, who overcame a double-digit deficit.
Thunder Rally Past Kings, Gilgeous-Alexander Leads Charge
The Oklahoma City Thunder (5-0) continued their perfect start to the NBA season with a hard-fought victory against the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday night. The game was fueled by 31 points from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who had been last year’s Most Valuable Player and league scoring leader.
Despite trailing by three entering the fourth quarter, the Thunder managed to take control of the game late in the final period. With 2:33 remaining, Lu Dort’s three-pointer put Oklahoma City ahead for good, 99-97. “We did what it took to win,” Gilgeous-Alexander said post-game.
Thunder Absent Key Player
The Thunder were without Chet Holmgren due to a sore lower back, but their resilience and teamwork allowed them to secure the win. Aaron Wiggins and Ajay Mitchell each contributed 18 points, while Dort added 13 to support Gilgeous-Alexander’s stellar performance.
76ers Overcome Large Deficit, Maxey Sparks Comeback
In an equally compelling match, the Philadelphia 76ers (4-0) demonstrated their ability to come back from adversity with a thrilling overtime victory over the Washington Wizards. Tyrese Maxey, who had already set records earlier in the week by scoring two 40-point performances, led the charge once again, pouring in 39 points and distributing 10 assists.
The Sixers faced a daunting task as they trailed by as many as 19 points in the third quarter. However, their tenacity and Maxey’s brilliance helped them turn things around. With 38.7 seconds left in regulation, Quentin Grimes nailed a three-pointer to tie the game at 126-126.
76ers Secure Overtime Win
The Wizards had one last chance but missed the mark from beyond the arc. Adem Bona’s put-back dunk and subsequent free throws gave the Sixers a lead they would not relinquish. “It was really amazing to be able to pull away with this one,” said Bona after the game.
Grimes contributed 23 points off the bench, while Bona provided strong defensive play with four blocked shots, especially in the critical fourth quarter and overtime period. Joel Embiid added 25 points but opted to sit out during the extra session due to earlier exertion.
Antetokounmpo’s Bucks Edge Knicks
In other NBA action on Tuesday night, Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Milwaukee Bucks (12-0) in a comeback win against the New York Knicks. Antetokounmpo scored 37 points with eight rebounds and seven assists as his team recovered from an early deficit to secure a 121-111 victory.
The Knicks, led by Jalen Brunson’s 36 points, struggled in the fourth quarter after appearing to injure their star player. Despite their valiant effort, the Bucks maintained control and capitalized on crucial moments to close out the game.
