Jalen Williams carried the OKC Thunder to a 104-97 win against the Miami Heat. The emerging star scored 13 fourth-quarter points and dished three assists to help his team hold off the Heat. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who had 13 points in the third quarter, finished with 25 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals.
Jimmy Butler played only seven minutes after colliding with Lu Dort in the first quarter. Butler limped to the bench, prompting Heat coach Erik Spoelstra to keep the veteran forward out. Tyler Herro led the hosts with 28 points, 12 rebounds, five assists and three steals. Bam Adebayo added 17 points, 10 rebounds and one steal.
Oklahoma improved its record to 22-5, while Miami fell to 13-12.
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OKC Thunder vs Miami Heat player stats and box score
OKC Thunder player stats and box score
Miami Heat player stats and box score
OKC Thunder vs Miami Heat Game Summary
The OKC Thunder, on short rest, faced the Miami Heat on Friday. Oklahoma took the court less than 24 hours away after beating the Orlando Magic 105-99.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scattered 10 points in the first quarter. Lu Dort and Jalen Williams combined for 10 points to help SGA carry the offensive load. Oklahoma led 30-25 after one quarter.
Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro each had seven points to keep Miami within striking distance. Jimmy Butler played seven minutes before limping to the bench following a collision with Dort.
Herro and Adebayo continued to play well in the second quarter. The duo got support from Duncan Robinson and the bench led by Nikola Jovic, who had seven points. Jaime Jaquez Jr. contributed six points, three rebounds and solid defense.
Jalen Williams took over the scoring lead for the Thunder in the second quarter. The emerging forward scored nine points in the period. Oklahoma had a 50-47 lead at halftime.
The Thunder took control of the game in the third quarter. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 13 points and three assists in the period. Jalen Williams contributed six points and two assists. OKC led 81-70 heading into the last quarter.
Williams scattered 13 points and added three assists in the final frame to help Oklahoma hold off Miami. The Thunder escaped with a 104-97 win to leave Florida with back-to-back victories against the Magic and the Heat.
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