Valiant Shai Gilegeous-Alexander selflessly shares credit with his crew battling through blood and sweat in comeback win

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the OKC Thunder pulled off a gutsy come-from-behind win on Friday, defeating the New York Knicks 117-107 at home. While SGA delivered another dominant performance, he gave credit to his teammates in the postgame interview.

Speaking to NBA TV’s Dennis Scott after the game, the MVP candidate — who played through a bloody lip after being elbowed — praised his squad’s collective effort.

“They made big plays all night. We’re a roster full of 15 men, 15 professionals, 15 really skilled basketball players. And that’s what we saw tonight: Guys are ready for the moment That’s what happens,” Gilgeous-Alexander said.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continued his brilliance with 33 points and seven assists, leading the Thunder to their 14th consecutive win, tying a franchise record.

However, Aaron Wiggins stole the spotlight in the fourth quarter, scoring 15 points on perfect shooting as OKC outscored New York 37-19 in the final frame.

Jalen Williams added 20 points, five assists and two steals, while Lu Dort chipped in 11 points. Former Knick Isaiah Hartenstein had a quiet scoring night with just four points but made a notable impact with 14 rebounds and seven assists.

“As long as you buy in, all 15 of you buy in, it’ll work,” Gilgeous-Alexander said.

READ: New York Knicks vs OKC Thunder player stats and box score (Jan. 3) | 2024-25 NBA season

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander underscores importance of sticking to identity to maintain winning streak

Before the game, Thunder coach Mark Daigneault downplayed the streak narratives, emphasizing a “zero-game streak” mentality.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander echoed this postgame, highlighting the importance of playing to the team’s identity, particularly during their halftime adjustment when they trailed 66-54.

“Yeah, our message was just stick to our identity. We know it’s a 48-minute game, it’s a long game. A lot of things can change and a lot of things can go up and down, we know that. We just got to play to our identity as much as we can, and when we do so, we usually win,” he said.

The Thunder are in the middle of a grueling stretch — the Knicks game was their fifth in seven days — and face an even tougher test ahead.

Their next three games include matchups against the defending champion Boston Celtics, the league-leading Cleveland Cavaliers and a rematch with the Knicks, this time on the road.