The Oklahoma City Thunder survived the Cleveland Cavaliers as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander made a go-ahead three-pointer with 32.6 seconds left on Monday night.
Gilgeous-Alexander scored a season-high 43 points and attempted 35 shots, which is the most in the NBA during the first two weeks of the season, and made 14.
The reigning MVP was 11 of 12 from the free-throw line in 38 minutes as the short-handed Thunder bounced back after two straight road losses by 20-plus points.
The fourth quarter saw eight ties and eight lead changes before Gilgeous-Alexander sank his fourth triple.
Ajay Mitchell scored 20 points, while Isaiah Hartenstein pulled down 14 boards.
Cavs’ Sam Merrill missed a perimeter shot from the corner before Mitchell made it a two-possession game by sinking two free throws with 15.4 seconds remaining.
Gilgeous-Alexander matched his highest scoring total in 17 games against the Cavaliers.
For Cleveland, rookie Meleek Thomas and Donovan Mitchell dropped 17 points each. Mitchell also dished 11 assists, while Evan Mobley added 16 points.
It was the Cavs’ first loss at home in four games this season.
There were 15 lead changes and two ties before the Thunder went on a 16-6 run over the last five minutes of the second quarter to take a 59-48 edge at halftime.
Gilgeous-Alexander made a pair of free throws to give the Thunder a 69-55 advantage with 9:26 left in the third.
Cleveland battled back by going 9 of 17 from beyond the arc in the quarter and opened the fourth on an 18-9 run but could not sustain its momentum.
Both teams will meet again in Oklahoma City on Wednesday.
