Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a heroic performance for the Oklahoma City Thunder, hitting a game-tying buzzer-beater before finishing with 46 points in a dramatic 129-125 overtime win over the Utah Jazz on Wednesday.

The reigning NBA champions appeared on course for a third straight defeat after Lauri Markkanen’s late layup gave Utah a 114-112 lead with just three seconds remaining in regulation. However, Gilgeous-Alexander responded in style, calmly knocking down a 13-foot jumper at the buzzer to force overtime.

The league’s reigning MVP then took control in the extra period, scoring nine points to steer the Thunder back to winning ways after consecutive losses.

“We just stayed in the moment and did whatever it took to get the win,” Gilgeous-Alexander said afterwards. “It’s not always going to be pretty, but we’d rather learn lessons in a win than a loss.”

Reflecting on the decisive shot, he added: “That’s what I train for — those moments when the game is at its tightest and you need to make a play.”

Gilgeous-Alexander also contributed six rebounds and six assists, while Chet Holmgren added 23 points and 12 rebounds. The victory improved Oklahoma City’s record to 31-7, maintaining their place at the top of the Western Conference.

Spurs, Nuggets claim statement wins

The San Antonio Spurs capitalised on the absence of LeBron James to claim a convincing 107-91 win over the Los Angeles Lakers. Keldon Johnson led the way with 27 points, while Victor Wembanyama contributed 16 off the bench. Luka Dončić scored a game-high 38 points for the Lakers in defeat.

Denver Nuggets also impressed on the road, defeating the Boston Celtics despite being without injured star Nikola Jokić. The Nuggets knocked down 20 three-pointers in a commanding display to improve to 25-12.

Peyton Watson starred with 30 points, including six from beyond the arc, while Jamal Murray recorded a near triple-double with 22 points, eight rebounds and 17 assists. Jaylen Brown led Boston with 33 points.

Wins across the league

In the Eastern Conference, the Detroit Pistons stayed top after a 108-93 victory over the Chicago Bulls, powered by a 31-point performance from Isaiah Stewart.

The Philadelphia 76ers cruised past the Washington Wizards 131-110, with Joel Embiid scoring 28 points.

The New York Knicks snapped a four-game losing streak by beating the Los Angeles Clippers 123-111. Jalen Brunson finished with 26 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns added 20 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists.

“We played with desperation,” Brunson said. “We needed a win, and we kept playing Knicks basketball until we found a way.”

In Memphis, former Grizzlies forward Dillon Brooks returned to haunt his old team, scoring 21 points as the Phoenix Suns claimed a 117-98 victory.