Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Bounces Back as OKC Thunder Dust Detroit at Home

Every Oklahoma City Thunder player that saw game action Monday finished with a positive plus-minus, marking a true domination on both sides of the ball as coach Mark Daigneault's squad earned its first home win of the season.

Facing a team it had already seen twice during NBA Preseason, the Oklahoma City Thunder knew what to expect from the Detroit Pistons. 

A re-vamped squad now coached by Monty Williams stood between coach Mark Daigneault's team looking for its first win at home. No. 5 pick Ausar Thompson was the headliner, while third and fourth-year veterans Killian Hayes and Cade Cunningham stood backup alongside the Pistons' newest breakout star, Jalen Duren, but despite their best efforts, they couldn't quite overcome Oklahoma City. 

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander returned to his usual form Monday night, leading the way with 32 points, four assists, nine rebounds and three steals to help his team power past Detroit for a 112-124 win. 

It was a clean game all-around for Oklahoma City, as it shot over 50 percent from the field and from deep while giving up just 15 turnovers. On defense, Thunder rookie Chet Holmgren blocked four shots en route to a team total 10 and nine steals — eight more than the Pistons' defensive takeaways. 

That defense, especially, played a large role all game for the Thunder, and it started right from the jump.

Oct 30, 2023; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives around Detroit Pistons guard Killian Hayes (7) during the first quarter at Paycom Center / © Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports

Holmgren got his first block not two minutes into the contest, denying Thompson for a turnover that prevented Detroit from gaining any early momentum. At that point, Oklahoma City was up 7-3, which ended up being the quarter's closest margin besides a two-point lead it had a few minutes after. From there, the Thunder rallied behind Gilgeous-Alexander, Holmgren and Jalen Williams to take a 12-point lead to the second quarter.

And it just continued to lay it on the Pistons from there.

Cunningham got active early in the second quarter, scoring a quick pair of buckets to try and get his team back in the game, but it was to no avail. Detroit only brought the lead down to single digits three times in the second quarter, all of which were nullified quickly by another Thunder score, and the 12-point lead held into the locker room, 47-59.

In the second half, Josh Giddey joined the Thunder's scoring party, adding a few buckets, assists and rebounds to his totals as Oklahoma City continued to cruise in front of its home crowd. Giddey finished with 21 points, but had an off day from behind the arc, though that didn't affect the Thunder too much. 

The fourth quarter only reinforced the forgone-conclusion that Oklahoma City was the dominant team when it mattered. It might have dropped two exhibition contests prior, but it made sure that wasn't the case Monday. 

With eight minutes to play in the fourth quarter, Oklahoma City took a 21-point lead off of a Giddey tip-shot, and garbage time ensued. Detroit made it back to within 12 points with under a minute left to play, but the damage was done and the Thunder went on to secure a 112-124 victory at home.

With the win, the Thunder improve to 3-1 on the season — a strong start — and have scratched the win column both at home and on the road. Its next test will come again at home against Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans, where it will look to start a win streak before the in-season tournament officially begins. 

Tipoff Wednesday night from Paycom Center is set for 6:30 p.m. CST.

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