Gilgeous-Alexander ties career-high as OKC edges Paul George, Clippers

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 32 points as Oklahoma City overcame an 18-point deficit to defeat the Clippers 118-112 on Sunday night.

Paul George’s return to Oklahoma City was triumphant, just not on the scoreboard.

The former Thunder star was greeted by a standing ovation on Sunday night and was acknowledged for his contributions to “the team and the community” during starting lineup introductions.

Ironically enough, it was one of the players that Oklahoma City got in return for George that stole the show.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander matched his career-high with 32 points as the Thunder edged the Clippers 118-112 inside Chesapeake Energy Arena.

As has been the case lately, Oklahoma City needed to put together a rally to pull out the win, although Sunday’s was slightly smaller, with OKC only needing to overcome an 18-point deficit.

In addition to Gilgeous-Alexander, three other Thunder players were in double-digits on Sunday. Dennis Schroder came off the bench to score 28, Steven Adams had 20, and Chris Paul chipped in 12.

George scored 18 points for the Clippers, grabbing two rebounds to go along with three assists, and two steals.

Although he was listed as questionable, Danilo Gallinari did not play in the win. He experienced left ankle soreness during pregame and was a last-minute scratch from the starting lineup.

Darius Bazley made his second career start in his place.

Kawhi Leonard did not play for the Clippers due to injury management for left knee soreness. Patrick Beverly was also out on Sunday thanks to a sore groin.

Patrick Patterson, who spent last season in Oklahoma City as well, also received cheers in his return to OKC.

With the win, the Thunder are over .500 for the first time this season and have won four in a row.

Oklahoma City will have the next three days off over the Christmas holiday and will return to action on Thursday for their final game of a five-game homestand when they host the Memphis Grizzlies.

Tip-off is at 7 p.m. CT.