Gilgeous-Alexander sparks Thunder

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 41 points, as the Oklahoma City Thunder beat Washington 123-105 on Monday night, sending the NBAworst Wizards to their 21st loss in 23 games, and a 12th straight defeat on the road.

Jalen Williams added 17 points and Isaiah Hartenstein had 16 points and 11 rebounds for the Thunder, which has won eight of nine. Oklahoma City shot 44.3 percent from the field and made 19 of 22 free throws.

It led 67-63 at halftime, and 91-87 after three quarters, and it took control with a 19-3 run to open the final period.

Gilgeous-Alexander, who had two points after one quarter, made 14 of 25 shots, three of six 3-pointers and 10 of 10 from the foul line. He exceeded 40 points for the second time this season, and added nine rebounds, three assists, three steals and three blocks.

Jordan Poole scored 31 points, Carlton "Bub" Carrington added 14 and Jonas Valanciunas had 12 points and 16 rebounds for the Wizards. Washington played without double-figure scorers Kyle Kuzma, Bilal Coulibaly and Alex Sarr.

Washington made 16 of its first 32 3-point attempts to keep the game close, but then missed 11 straight.

Oklahoma City struggled from distance, shooting only 26.3 percent, but rookie Ajay Mitchell, Williams and Gilgeous-Alexander made 3s early in the fourth quarter to help extend the lead to 15. Mitchell finished with 16 points.

Agencies Via Xinhua