Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Dominates with 36 Points in Return from Abdominal Strain

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdomen) made a dominant return for the Oklahoma City Thunder after a nine-game absence, scoring 36 points (12-29 FG, 0-3 3Pt, 12-13 FT) with 9 assists, 3 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 blocks in 34 minutes during Friday's 127-121 overtime win over the Nuggets. The reigning MVP sat out the entire overtime period due to monitored playing time, alleviating concerns about the 65-game MVP eligibility rule. He opened his account with a layup but received an early technical foul for throwing the ball at Nikola Jokic. SGA expressed feeling "good" and "thankful to be back" after missing nine games since February 3rd. The Thunder begin a three-game road trip Sunday in Dallas.