Gilgeous-Alexander scores 45 to lead Thunder past Clippers

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The Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, center, drives between the Clippers’ Terance Mann, left, and Norman Powell during his 45-point performance in Monday’s game at Oklahoma City. Kyle Phillips / the associated press

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The Clippers’ Norman Powell, left, who scored 31 points, drives past the Thunder’s Jalen Williams during Monday’s game. Kyle Phillips / the associated press

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By Cliff Brunt

The Associated Press

OKLAHOMA CITY — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored a career-high 45 points, and the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Clippers 134-128 on Monday night in their first game this season without Chet Holmgren.

Holmgren will miss at least eight weeks with a pelvic fracture after a hard fall during Sunday’s loss to Golden State. The 7-foot-1 forward/center had been one of the league’s most efficient scorers and top shot blockers.

Gilgeous-Alexander picked up the slack by making 13 of 21 field goals and 15 of 16 free throws. He also had nine assists. Jalen Williams scored 28 points and Lu Dort added 19 for Oklahoma City.

With their tallest starter at 6-foot-6, the Thunder ran relentlessly, yet committed just 11 turnovers. They were outrebounded 47-29.

Norman Powell scored 31 points, but he fouled out with the Clippers down four with 1:32 remaining. Ivica Zubac had 22 points and 14 rebounds and Derrick Jones Jr. added 20 points for Los Angeles. James Harden had 17 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists, but he shot 5 of 15 and had five fouls.

The Thunder led by 20 midway through the third quarter. Powell’s fadeaway corner 3 at the end of the third trimmed Oklahoma City’s lead to 99-94, and the game was close throughout the final period.