Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sets NBA single-game record for points by Canadian with 54 [Video]

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored a career-high 54 points, an NBA single-game record by a Canadian, and the hometown Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Utah Jazz 123-114 on Wednesday night.

The Hamilton native made 17 of 35 field goals and 17 of 18 free throws to surpass his previous career best of 45 points. He also had eight rebounds, five assists and three steals.

Gilgeous-Alexander, 26, tops the league with 32 points per game, is considered an MVP favourite and big reason why the Thunder (36-7) are tied for the best record with Cleveland.

On Feb. 19, 2021, Jamal Murray of Kitchener, Ont., scored a career-high 50 points to lead the victorious Denver Nuggets, becoming the first player in NBA history to get that many without trying a free throw.

Gilgeous-Alexander scored 23 points in the first half to help Oklahoma City take a 57-55 lead at the break. He scored 18 points in the third quarter as the Thunder took a 95-89 lead.

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