The basketball world bore witness to an impressive display of skill and teamwork as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Oklahoma City Thunder to a record-tying victory over the Phoenix Suns. “Gilgeous-Alexander scores 28 as Thunder tie NBA record for best start with blowout of Suns”, indeed encapsulates the essence of the game. The Canadian guard’s performance was a key factor in the Thunder’s 138-89 triumph in the NBA Cup quarter-final on Wednesday.

Matching a Record-Breaking Start

The Thunder’s victory was not just another win; it marked a milestone as they matched the best 25-game start to an NBA season with a 24-1 record. This incredible feat puts them on par with the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors, who also accomplished this remarkable start before meeting their first defeat.

A Dominating Performance

While Gilgeous-Alexander was undoubtedly the star of the game, the victory was a team effort. The Thunder’s Chet Holmgren also had a notable performance, contributing 24 points and eight rebounds. This win, the Thunder’s 16th in a row, set a new franchise record and secured their place in the semi-finals against either the Los Angeles Lakers or San Antonio.

The Challenge of the Suns

The Suns, who have been an impressive team themselves, were expected to pose a tough challenge for the Thunder. Their previous encounter was a close call with the Thunder just edging out a win. However, this time around, the Suns were without their star player Devin Booker, who missed his third straight game due to a strained right groin.

Thunder’s Defensive Prowess

The absence of Booker was not the only factor contributing to the Suns’ defeat. The Thunder’s league-leading defence, which Booker had previously acknowledged, seemed to be an insurmountable obstacle for the Suns. The Suns ended the game with a season-low point total, shooting just 39.3 per cent from the field.

Gilgeous-Alexander’s Impressive Streak

Gilgeous-Alexander, with his 28 points, extended his streak of scoring at least 20 points to 96 games. The highlight of his performance was a breakaway dunk in the third quarter that put the Thunder 34 points ahead.

Controversial Moment

The game was not without controversy. Phoenix guard Grayson Allen was ejected after a physical altercation with Holmgren, which saw the latter knocked to the floor. The incident resulted in a Flagrant 2 call against Allen.

Looking Ahead

As the Thunder look forward to their semi-final match against either the Los Angeles Lakers or San Antonio, the Suns will host the Golden State Warriors in their next game.

Ethan Radcliffe

Ethan Radcliffe is a senior reporter and digital editor at The Toronto Insider, specializing in Canadian federal policy, GTA urban development, and national economic trends. With over a decade of experience in North American journalism, Ethan focuses on translating complex legislative and economic developments into clear, accessible reporting for Canadian readers. Ethan’s work emphasizes policy analysis, government accountability, and data-driven reporting, with a strong focus on how federal and provincial decisions impact communities across the Greater Toronto Area and beyond. He has covered infrastructure planning, housing policy, fiscal strategy, and regulatory changes affecting Canadian households and businesses. A graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University’s School of Journalism, Ethan brings expertise in investigative reporting, long-form analysis, editorial standards, and digital publishing best practices. His reporting is guided by verifiable sources, public records, and transparent sourcing. In addition to reporting, Ethan has experience in newsroom editing, fact-checking workflows, SEO-informed journalism, and audience analytics, ensuring stories meet both editorial integrity standards and modern digital discoverability requirements. Ethan is committed to objective, fact-driven journalism and adheres to established ethical guidelines, prioritizing accuracy, clarity, and public trust in all reporting.

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