Reigning NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 37 points as the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder avenged their only loss of the season with a dominant 122-95 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday.

The victory improved the Thunder to an NBA-best 17-1 and extended their winning streak to nine games. Portland had spoiled Oklahoma City’s perfect start earlier this month with a 121-119 upset on November 5.

Gilgeous-Alexander was efficient from all areas of the court, hitting 13-of-18 shots, two-of-three from three-point range, and all nine free throws, while contributing seven assists, five rebounds, and two steals.

“He’s a killer and we know that,” teammate Ajay Mitchell said of Gilgeous-Alexander. “Seeing him in that zone is always a pleasure to watch.”

Oklahoma City became only the fifth team in the past 30 years to start a season 17-1, joining Cleveland (last season), Golden State (2015), Dallas (2002), and Chicago (1996). Mitchell added 20 points off the bench on perfect 8-of-8 shooting, including 2-of-2 from beyond the arc.

“Glad we got the win. Glad I got a good game. Happy about it,” Mitchell said. “The key was just being prepared and ready for 48 minutes. We started off well and just kept going. That’s what we’ve got to do every single game.”

Isaiah Hartenstein also contributed with 15 rebounds as the Thunder improved to 7-0 at home.

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers narrowly defeated the Utah Jazz 108-106, extending their win streak to four games. Luka Doncic led the charge with 33 points and 11 rebounds.

LeBron James, making his first road appearance of the season after missing games with sciatica, scored 17 points on 8-of-18 shooting, adding eight assists and six rebounds. Austin Reaves chipped in 22 points and 10 rebounds as the Lakers improved to 12-4. Utah’s Keyonte George scored 27 points but missed a three-pointer in the final seconds, sealing the Lakers’ victory.

In other NBA action:

Phoenix Suns 111, San Antonio Spurs 102: Dillon Brooks scored 25 points and Devin Booker added 24 as the Suns snapped the Spurs’ three-game winning streak. San Antonio was without injured star Victor Wembanyama.

Cleveland Cavaliers 120, Los Angeles Clippers 105: Donovan Mitchell exploded for 37 points, eight rebounds, and six assists. Ivica Zubac led the Clippers with 33 points and 18 rebounds.

Boston Celtics 138, Orlando Magic 129: Jaylen Brown scored 35 points, with Anfernee Simons adding 23 off the bench. Magic reserve Jeff Hoard had 30 points.

Atlanta Hawks 113, Charlotte Hornets 110: Nickeil Alexander-Walker’s layup put Atlanta ahead 111-110 with 1:42 remaining. He later added two late free throws to seal the win. Jalen Johnson contributed 28 points, 11 assists, and eight rebounds.

Toronto Raptors 119, Brooklyn Nets 109: Scottie Barnes led eight double-figure scorers with 17 points as the Raptors extended their win streak to seven games, claiming 11 victories in 12 contests.

Miami Heat 127, Philadelphia 76ers 117: Norman Powell scored 32 points, and Kel’el Ware added 20 points and 16 rebounds. Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with 27 points. Miami’s win streak reached four games.

Injury and Availability Notes:

Kevin Durant will miss Houston’s next two games due to a family matter, including road games against Phoenix on Monday and Golden State on Wednesday.

Denver’s Aaron Gordon will be sidelined 4–6 weeks with a hamstring strain.