• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 40 points against the Cleveland Cavaliers in an impressive Thunder win.
• The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Cavs 134-114, tying for the NBA’s best record this season.
• Gilgeous-Alexander missed his first game of the season due to a sore right wrist after a phenomenal performance.
• The Thunder is currently 34-6 and boasts an impressive roster, including Jalen Williams.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continued to solidify his case for MVP with an outstanding 40-point performance last Thursday as the Oklahoma City Thunder secured a resounding victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers, winning 134-114 in a highly anticipated battle between the NBA's best teams. His prowess on the court was evident as he contributed not only by scoring but also by facilitating plays, amassing eight assists while shooting an impressive 17 of 26 from the field. In describing his team's dynamic, Gilgeous-Alexander reflected, “There are the guys who do the little work… their part into our winning and our season is just as big” [source: AP News].

However, the exuberance of the victory was tempered when news broke that Gilgeous-Alexander would miss his first game of the season against the Dallas Mavericks due to a sore right wrist. This injury surfaced shortly after he shared his robust performance with a national audience, raising concerns amongst fans and analysts alike. Thunder coach Mark Daigneault revealed that Gilgeous-Alexander reported discomfort upon arriving at the arena, forcing him to sit out a matchup where his scoring average of 31.6 points per game was sorely missed [source: AP News].

Despite being sidelined, Gilgeous-Alexander’s impact on the team remains undeniable. As a two-time Western Conference Player of the Month this season, he has led the Thunder to an impressive 34-6 record, tying with Cleveland for the league's best. His extraordinary ability to elevate his teammates, especially in moments where he is not on the floor, notably benefits young star Jalen Williams, who continues to step up in his absence. “Nobody has his print on us winning basketball games more than Jalen Williams, and that’s why he deserves to be an All-Star,” Gilgeous-Alexander commented, showcasing his respect for his teammates [source: AP News].

The Oklahoma City Thunder will look to continue their strong season as they navigate through this minor setback, keen on maintaining their dominance in the league.

For more details on the Thunder's recent performances and updates, you can check the original articles on [AP News: Thunder's Gilgeous-Alexander Makes Statement](https://apnews.com/article/thunder-shai-gilgeous-alexander-nba-23e8ff34cd2191bc08992c85bd363806) and [AP News: Gilgeous-Alexander Missing Game](https://apnews.com/article/thunder-shai-gilgeous-alexander-a057f7ad1daac45664f223ddb7bf9ae3).