Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 28 points as the Oklahoma City Thunder extended their winning streak to 16 games, storming into the NBA Cup semi-finals with a commanding 138-89 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday. The Thunder will next face the San Antonio Spurs, who stunned the Los Angeles Lakers 132-119.

Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning NBA MVP, spearheaded the Thunder’s dominant display, helping Oklahoma City improve to 24-1—matching the best 25-game start in league history. From tip-off, the Thunder imposed their rhythm, finishing with a blistering offensive display that included 22 three-pointers and a devastating 38-point first quarter. By halftime, Oklahoma City led 74-48, effectively putting the contest out of reach.

Chet Holmgren contributed 24 points, hitting all four of his three-point attempts, while adding eight rebounds and three blocks. The towering centre was also at the heart of a third-quarter incident, with Suns point guard Grayson Allen ejected following a rough body check.

Gilgeous-Alexander praised the team’s cohesion and offensive efficiency after the game:
“We moved the ball really well, played together, and were very decisive on offense. When we play through our comfort zone, we’re a very good offense,” he said. The star guard also extended his remarkable streak, scoring 20 or more points in 96 consecutive games.

In Los Angeles, the Spurs delivered a major upset, defeating the Lakers 132-119 despite the continued absence of French sensation Victor Wembanyama, who missed his 12th game with a calf injury. Stephon Castle led San Antonio with 30 points and 10 rebounds, while De’Aaron Fox added 20. Seven Spurs players, including three reserves, scored in double figures as the team withstood a 35-point performance from Luka Doncic.

“We all just want to win,” Fox said. “We don’t care who does it. We’ve got a very versatile, deep team, so a lot of guys can get it done every night.”

For the Lakers, Marcus Smart returned from injury to score 26 off the bench, and LeBron James added 19 points. However, Los Angeles struggled to match San Antonio’s pace, falling behind in fast-break points, second-chance points, and turnovers.

Despite a late push in the fourth quarter, the Lakers couldn’t overcome the Spurs’ relentless response. “We had some good moments, but for the majority of the game, we were playing uphill too much,” James admitted.

Oklahoma City now set their sights on an NBA Cup triumph, looking to improve on last season’s runner-up finish. Gilgeous-Alexander remains confident:
“We should be in a good position—we’ve improved a lot since last year.”

With a commanding mix of talent, precision, and depth, the Thunder appear well on their way to a potential NBA Finals–NBA Cup double, leaving fans eagerly anticipating their semi-final showdown with the Spurs in Las Vegas this Saturday.