Thunder Defeat Heat in NBA Cup Final

Jalen Williams led the Oklahoma City Thunder with a season-high 33 points, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 25, as the team defeated the Miami Heat 104-97 for their seventh consecutive victory. The Thunder improved to 22-5, marking the second-best record in the NBA and leading the Western Conference. Williams scored the first nine points of the fourth quarter, helping to maintain their lead despite a late rally from Miami. Tyler Herro was the top scorer for the Heat with 28 points, while Bam Adebayo contributed 17 points and 10 rebounds. Miami's Jimmy Butler did not return due to illness, and Adebayo briefly exited the game due to an injury but returned after receiving stitches. The victory was significant as it did not include the Thunder's recent NBA Cup final loss, which does not count in the regular season standings.