Gilgeous-Alexander relishes Brooks battle as Thunder make NBA Cup title game

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander guided the Oklahoma City Thunder to the NBA Cup title game on Saturday, then said the achievement was made sweeter by getting one over on his Team Canada team-mate Dillon Brooks.

Gilgeous-Alexander had 32 points – 20 of which came in the second half – as the Thunder triumphed 111-96 over the Houston Rockets in Las Vegas.

Following their semifinal victory, Oklahoma City will take on the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA Cup title game on Tuesday, hoping to succeed the Los Angeles Lakers as champions.

Gilgeous-Alexander was guarded by his international team-mate and friend Brooks for much of Saturday's game, as he also added eight rebounds, six assists and five steals.

Speaking about his all-Canadian matchup after the game, the 2024-25 MVP hopeful said: "It's fun. It makes you better.

"That's what this league is about, competing against the best in the world, and defensively he is that for sure.

"I like to think that of myself offensively. He gives me a chance to really see where I'm at, a good test. I'd say I handled it pretty well."

The stage is set for Tuesday pic.twitter.com/90zKuWSvtt

— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) December 15, 2024

Gilgeous-Alexander was supported ably by Jalen Williams, who had 20 points, five rebounds and five assists as the Thunder pulled away following a nervy first half.

"We were getting the same looks," said forward Williams. "I think we slowed down a little bit.

"There's so much going on in these games, we had to settle in the first half, but our defense was great, so that carried over the whole game.

"Offense comes and goes, but you can play defense and shut certain things down. I think we did a good job of that, and the offense came later."