NBA: Raptors top Thunder, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander rallies to extend streak

Immanuel Quickley scored 23 points, including two clutch 3-pointers in the final two minutes, to lead the Toronto Raptors to a 103-101 road victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday.

The game was closely contested throughout, with neither team leading by more than seven points.

With under two minutes left and the Raptors trailing by two, Quickley hit back-to-back 3-pointers to give Toronto a 101-97 lead with 1:16 remaining.

The Thunder fought back, cutting the lead after Chet Holmgren converted a putback with 57.2 seconds left. Oklahoma City had a chance to tie or take the lead after Luguentz Dort grabbed the rebound off a missed shot by Brandon Ingram.

However, the Raptors responded. Coming out of a timeout, Scottie Barnes blocked Holmgren’s 7-foot jumper and secured the rebound.

Quickley then sank two free throws, making it a two-possession game. Although Isaiah Joe hit a 23-foot shot just before the buzzer, it wasn’t enough to prevent Oklahoma City from losing its second straight game.

Toronto extended its winning streak to four games.

RJ Barrett contributed 14 points, while Brandon Ingram added 13. Barnes finished with a near triple-double, scoring 10 points, grabbing 11 rebounds, dishing out eight assists, and blocking three shots.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 24 points, but only scored three in the fourth quarter. The reigning NBA MVP did not reach double digits until midway through the third quarter.

He finished strong, scoring 12 points in the final six minutes of the third quarter, keeping his streak alive of 20-plus points in consecutive games. Gilgeous-Alexander now sits 10 games away from breaking Wilt Chamberlain’s NBA record.

After a 30-point first quarter, Oklahoma City struggled in the second. The Raptors ended the half on a 9-1 run, and the Thunder failed to make a field goal in the final 3:20 before halftime.

The win keeps Toronto rolling as they continue their strong run this season. -Field Level Media/Reuters