SGA Scores 30 as Thunder Beat Jalen Brunson, Knicks, Impress NBA Fans Amid MVP Race

MVP top-candidate Shai Gileous-Alexander led the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 111-100 win over Jalen Brunson and theNew York Knicks at home on Sunday.

With only a handful of games remaining, the Thunder have clinched their division and a playoff berth, sitting in first place in the Western Conference at 59-16. New York sits third in the East at 48-27.

More importantly, the race for the 2026 MVP is heating up, with Oklahoma City's Gilgeous-Alexander listed as a -320 favorite, per FanDuel Sportsbook.

Gilgeous-Alexander backed up that billing, finishing with 30 points, three rebounds, four assists and a block to lift the Thunder to an impressive win.

The 27-year-old is chasing back-to-back MVP honors, averaging 31.4 points, 4.4 rebounds and 6.6 assists while shooting an efficient 55.3 percent from the field.

Chet Holmgren added 16 points, nine rebounds and two assists, while Jalen Williams scored 22 points. Alex Caruso stepped up late with six points.

Oklahoma City attempted 38 free throws compared to the Knicks' 17, converting 31 points at the line in a decisive advantage while also winning the fast-break battle, 15-4.

The Thunder led the Knicks by one point at halftime before both teams traded blows in the third, as Oklahoma City closed the quarter on a run to take an 84-78 lead.

OKC built an early double-digit lead in the fourth, but the Knicks clawed back to make it a close game down the stretch.

Seven straight points from Gilgeous-Alexander pushed the Thunder ahead by nine with just over 3:30 remaining, as Oklahoma City pulled away to secure the win.

Oklahoma City will host East top seed Detroit on the second night of a back-to-back Monday.