Thunder's Gilgeous-Alexander Scores 42, Tops Lakers 136-120

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is leading the NBA in scoring and is a frontrunner for the MVP award, recently scoring 42 points in a victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. His teammate Jalen Williams has defended him against criticism regarding his free throw attempts, arguing that Gilgeous-Alexander deserves more opportunities at the line due to his aggressive playstyle. Despite some media scrutiny over his free throws, Gilgeous-Alexander averages 8.8 attempts per game, which places him among the top in the league. The Thunder are on track to secure the best record in the league, holding a two-game lead over the Cleveland Cavaliers. Gilgeous-Alexander's performance and ability to draw fouls have sparked debate among fans and analysts, with some believing he benefits from favorable officiating. Nevertheless, his contributions have been pivotal in the Thunder's recent successes, including breaking the franchise's single-season victory record.