The Oklahoma City Thunder, led by Josh Giddey, have tied with the defending NBA champions Denver at the top of the Western Conference after a 118-112 victory over Memphis.
Despite only making one of six 3-point attempts, Australian Giddey contributed 13 points, with all five of the Thunder’s starters scoring in double figures in the game in Memphis on Saturday night.
Chet Holmgren had 22 points and 11 rebounds, Jalen Williams added 23 points and six assists, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 20 points for the Thunder.
Desmond Bane led the Grizzlies with 22 points and seven assists in his return to the court after an injury layoff since January 12.
The Thunder’s record now matches that of the Nuggets, standing at 47-20 for the season.
Holmgren emphasized the significance of tying for the top spot in the conference at this stage of the season, saying, “It’s extremely important this late in the season. It’s also good to see all the work we’re putting in is putting us in a good position.”
In Los Angeles, Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson led the Golden State Warriors to a 128-121 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in a crucial Western Conference matchup.
LeBron James put up 40 points and 13 rebounds for the Lakers, who had to play without Anthony Davis due to an eye injury.
The Warriors moved ahead of the Lakers into ninth place in the Western Conference standings.
Australian center Jock Landale contributed six points and three rebounds off the bench as the Houston Rockets secured their fifth straight win by defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers 117-103.
The Rockets have won seven of their last eight games, closing in on the final Western Conference play-in spot.
In Philadelphia, Tyrese Maxey overcame a bloody nose to score 30 points, helping the 76ers beat the Charlotte Hornets 109-98.
Other games saw the New York Knicks defeat Sacramento 98-91, Indiana beat Brooklyn 121-100, Minnesota overcome Utah 119-100, and Chicago dominate Washington 127-98.
