Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ended an NBA drought that lasted more than 4 decades

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander represented one of the rarest statistical performances in modern NBA history as Oklahoma City defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 122-102 on Wednesday night at the Fiserv Forum. The reigning NBA MVP finished with 40 points, 11 assists and seven rebounds while shooting 16 of 19 from the field and 2 of 2 from three-point range in 33 minutes.

Gilgeous-Alexander became the first player in more than 40 seasons to record at least 40 points, five rebounds, 10 assists and shoot 80 percent or better from the floor in one game, according to StatMuse. Furthermore, it was just the second time since the 1980-81 season that a player had at least 40 points and 10 assists while shooting 80 percent or better, joining Toronto Raptors guard Immanuel Quickley, who had accomplished the feat the day before.

The 27-year-old’s efficiency stood out as Oklahoma City controlled the game from the opening minutes. The Thunder scored the first seven points and built a comfortable 38-18 lead after the first quarter, shooting 69.6 percent from the field. Oklahoma City never trailed and led by as many as 25 points, and the difference never fell below 14 after the first quarter.

Ajay Mitchell and Kenrich Williams each scored 18 points for the Thunder. Mitchell scored his points on 8-of-12 shooting before exiting late in the third quarter with a right hip contusion after playing for 25 minutes. Williams added nine rebounds. Lugence Dort contributed 13 points and Cason Wallace filled the table with nine points, four steals, two assists, two rebounds and one block in 31 minutes. Oklahoma City shot 54.4 percent from the floor and finished with 24 assists and 49 points.

The Thunder improved to 37-8 on the season and won for the seventh time in eight games, despite being in a tight game. Oklahoma City was without Jaylen Williams (right hamstring strain), Isaiah Hartenstein (right tabanus strain), Alex Caruso (right adductor), Aaron Wiggins (right groin soreness), Jaylin Williams (left gluteal contusion), Thomas Sorber (ACL recovery) and Nikola Topic (surgery recovery).

Meanwhile, Milwaukee, which fell to 18-25, was without Myles Turner (sprained left ankle) and Kevin Porter Jr. (oblique sprain). Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 19 points, 14 rebounds and seven assists in 31 minutes while shooting 8 of 11 from the field. Cole Anthony scored 17 points off the bench and Bobby Portis added 15 points with a career-high nine assists. Milwaukee got 46 points off its bench, but committed 16 turnovers, including eight in the first quarter.

The Thunder finished their four-game road trip with a 3-1 record and will return home to host the Indiana Pacers next Friday.