By Chalien Dantes

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander poured in 46 points as the Oklahoma City Thunder outlasted the Utah Jazz in overtime for a 129-125 win.

 The league’s reigning MVP drilled a late basket to send the game beyond regulation, then took charge as the defending champions sealed the result. Chet Holmgren chipped in with 23 points and 12 rebounds as Oklahoma City moved to an NBA best 31-7 record and stayed on top of the Western Conference.

San Antonio continue to chase them closely. The Spurs improved to 26-11 after a convincing 107-91 home victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, who sit fourth in the West. Keldon Johnson led a well rounded Spurs effort with 27 points, while Victor Wembanyama added 16 from the bench. Luka Doncic dazzled in defeat with 38 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists, but it was not enough for the Lakers, who rested LeBron James after his standout performance earlier in the week.

Denver remain third in the conference following a gritty 114-110 road win against the Boston Celtics. The Nuggets again played without Nikola Jokic, sidelined by a knee issue, but Peyton Watson stepped up with 30 points. Jamal Murray added 22 points and dished out a career best 17 assists to guide Denver home.

Boston’s loss saw them slide to third in the Eastern Conference, where the New York Knicks snapped a four game skid with a dominant 134-111 win over the Los Angeles Clippers.