Gilgeous-Alexander, who was listed as questionable on the injury report, made 12 of 19 field goals and 15 of 17 free throws.
Oklahoma City won its 10th consecutive game and became the fifth team in NBA history to start the season 18–1. The Thunder improved to 4-0 in West Group A and are in good position to reach the knockout round.
Gilgeous-Alexander has scored at least 20 points in 91 consecutive games, the third-longest streak in NBA history behind Wilt Chamberlain’s two streaks. Gilgeous-Alexander can equal Chamberlain’s mark of 92 for second straight against Phoenix on Friday.
Anthony Edwards had 31 points and eight rebounds and made several tough shots to keep the Timberwolves in the game, but could not prevent Minnesota from losing for the third consecutive time. Minnesota made just 22 of 37 free throws.
This was a rematch of last season’s Western Conference Finals series which the Thunder won 4–1. The last time the Timberwolves visited Paycom Center, they lost 124–94 in Game 5 as the Thunder took over the West.
Oklahoma City’s Kenrich Williams, who had not played this season because of a left knee injury, got his first action in the first quarter.
The Thunder led 24–17 at the end of the opening quarter. It was Minnesota’s second-fewest points in any quarter this season.
Gilgeous-Alexander scored 19 points in the first half to help the Thunder take a 49-39 lead.
Minnesota rallied in the third quarter and tied it at 54 and then 56, but the Thunder took a 78–71 lead into the fourth.
Minnesota was within one in the final minute after Edwards made a contested 3-pointer, but Chet Holmgren’s corner three put the Thunder up by four with 38 seconds remaining. Oklahoma City outscored Minnesota 8–1 in the final 60 seconds.
Timberwolves: Host Boston on Saturday.
Thunder: Host Phoenix on Friday night.
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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA
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