Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Reveals ‘Bad Taste’ That Motivated Thunder to Beat Rockets
*OKLAHOMA CITY, OK —* In a highly anticipated matchup between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Houston Rockets, it was Shai Gilgeous-Alexander who emerged as the driving force behind a thrilling victory. The Thunder star guard, known for his calm demeanor and all-around game, played a pivotal role in leading his team to a hard-fought 115-105 win over the Rockets. After the game, Gilgeous-Alexander opened up about what motivated the Thunder’s focused performance — and it all boiled down to a “bad taste” that had lingered from their previous meeting with Houston.
### The ‘Bad Taste’ from Previous Loss
The Thunder’s win over the Rockets was not just another regular-season game for Gilgeous-Alexander and his teammates. In fact, it was a chance to redeem themselves after a tough loss to Houston earlier in the season. The Rockets had handed Oklahoma City a narrow defeat during a high-intensity matchup, and the sting of that result had been felt deeply within the Thunder locker room.
Speaking after the game, Gilgeous-Alexander admitted that the previous loss to Houston left a “bad taste” in their mouths. “It was one of those games where we felt like we didn’t show up the way we should have,” he said. “We didn’t play our brand of basketball, and we knew we could’ve been better. It stayed with me, and I think it stayed with the whole team. We didn’t want to let that feeling linger.”
The loss to the Rockets, which came down to the wire in a close fourth-quarter battle, was a game the Thunder felt they could have won. Houston’s young core, led by the explosive scoring of Jalen Green and the versatile playmaking of rookie Amen Thompson, had managed to outlast Oklahoma City in a game that many observers had pegged as a potential turning point for both teams.
“Coming into tonight, we knew we had a point to prove,” Gilgeous-Alexander added. “It was about setting the tone, showing that we can handle teams like this and not let them beat us twice.”
### Gilgeous-Alexander Shines with 35 Points
In the rematch, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander put on a clinic. The 25-year-old guard, who has quickly become one of the NBA’s brightest stars, finished with 35 points, 7 assists, and 5 rebounds, while shooting 56% from the field. His dynamic scoring was on full display, as he consistently attacked the basket and displayed his ability to hit difficult mid-range shots. Additionally, his defensive efforts were crucial, as he was tasked with guarding both Green and Thompson at different points in the game.
“My teammates did a great job of setting me up,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “When you have guys like Josh [Giddey], Luguentz [Dort], and the rest of the guys putting pressure on the defense, it opens up opportunities for me to do what I do best. I just took what the defense gave me.”
The Rockets, despite a strong performance from Green — who had 28 points and 6 assists — and a double-double from Alperen Şengün (16 points, 12 rebounds), were unable to match the balanced attack and determination shown by the Thunder. Oklahoma City’s defense, led by the disruptive abilities of Dort and Jalen Williams, limited Houston’s scoring in the second half, allowing the Thunder to pull away late in the fourth quarter.
### Building a Winning Culture in Oklahoma City
The Thunder’s victory over the Rockets was a statement win for a team that is in the midst of a rebuilding process but is already showing signs of becoming a formidable force in the Western Conference. While Gilgeous-Alexander has long been considered the cornerstone of the franchise, the emergence of young talents like Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, and Josh Giddey has provided a new layer of excitement and hope for the future.
Head coach Mark Daigneault praised his team’s effort and composure, especially after their previous loss to the Rockets. “We know this is a long season, but tonight was about responding the right way,” Daigneault said. “Shai led us in all the right ways — with his play, his leadership, and his mindset. He really set the tone for how we want to approach every game.”
Daigneault also highlighted the team’s resilience, pointing out that they were able to weather Houston’s scoring runs and manage the game effectively down the stretch. “We have a lot of young guys, but this team is growing in confidence and maturity. They understand the importance of bouncing back and staying focused when it matters most,” he added.
### Looking Ahead: A Promising Future for the Thunder
With the victory, Oklahoma City improved to 8-5 on the season, placing them in the upper half of the Western Conference standings. The team’s young core continues to impress, and if they can maintain their defensive discipline and develop a more consistent offensive flow, the Thunder could be a team to watch as the season progresses.
As for Gilgeous-Alexander, he remains focused on the bigger picture. “It’s about building something sustainable here,” he said. “We know where we want to go as a team, and we’re just going to keep pushing. Tonight was a good win, but there’s a long way to go.”
The Thunder will look to carry the momentum from this victory into their upcoming stretch of games, as they face some of the NBA’s top teams in the coming weeks. For now, though, they can savor the satisfaction of avenging an earlier loss to the Rockets, knowing that a sour taste was turned into a sweet victory.
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*The Thunder’s win against the Rockets serves as a reminder of just how far Oklahoma City has come in its rebuilding journey and the potential this team has in the years to come. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander at the helm, the future in Oklahoma City is looking brighter than ever.*
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