How Shai Gilgeous-Alexander feels playing against Dillon Brooks

After Friday 123-119 Oklahoma City Thunder‘s NBA Cup victory against Phoenix Suns, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander addressed his Canadian basketball teammate, Dillon Brooks. In a game that came down to the wire Jalen Williams makes regular season debut after wrist surgeryThe Thunder held on for a four-point win and advanced to the quarterfinals of this year’s NBA Cup.

After the win, Gilgeous-Alexander talked about what facing Brooks looks like, as the intense defensive specialist is also an SGA teammate on the Canadian men’s basketball team.

“I love playing against Dillon. I’ve played with him for the national team for a few years now,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “He honestly brings a lot of fire to every game he plays. Like it or not, you have to compete against Dillon or he’s going to use you. That’s his skill and why he’s been so good in this league for so long.”

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 37 points on 10-of-20 shooting, including 3-for-5 from deep, and 14-of-17 free throws, leading six Thunder players into double figures. He also had eight assists and one steal. Dillon Brooks finished with 19 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals, and Collin Gillespie (24 points) and Devin Booker (21 points) combined for 45 points, including Gillespie’s six 3-pointers.

The Thunder extended their winning streak to 11 games, improving to 19-1. On Wednesday, December 10, Oklahoma City will host the Suns in the rematch of the NBA Cup in the quarterfinals.

Jaylen Williams preaches patience after Thunder’s season debut

In his first contest since Game 7 of the NBA Finals, Thunder All-Star Jalen Williams did not disappoint for the Thunder. Facing the Suns without starting center Isaiah HartensteinWilliams reprized his role at center, an option coach Mark Daigneault turned to when he was without Chet Holmgren and Hartenstein last season. Jalen’s playmaking set the tone in the first half. He also made his presence felt on the defensive end of the floor.

Williams, who admits he’s still far from 100% amid recovery from a second procedure to repair a torn ligament in his right wrist, says it will take some time to shake off the rust, but patience is key.

“It’s going to take some time,” Williams said. “I haven’t played in forever, and there’s been a lot behind the scenes, as far as what’s actually been going on with my hand and the two hand surgeries, like, I’m still trying to work through, like, my jump and dribbling, and, like, trying to get my touch back, and it’s just something that needs to progress throughout the season.”

Williams had 11 points, eight assists, four rebounds, two steals and one block in his 2025-26 regular season debut.