In a thrilling matchup on December 20, 2024, the Oklahoma City Thunder secured a 104-97 victory over the Miami Heat, led by Jalen Williams who scored a season-high 33 points.

Williams was particularly impressive in the fourth quarter, contributing 11 points that helped the Thunder maintain their lead.

The Thunder's success was bolstered by an 8-0 run led by Williams and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, showcasing their strong partnership throughout the game.

The Thunder demonstrated excellent ball movement, with standout plays from both Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Williams.

Gilgeous-Alexander added 25 points to the Thunder's total, while Lu Dort and Isaiah Hartenstein contributed 14 and 13 points, respectively, with Hartenstein also grabbing 18 rebounds.

A key factor in the Thunder's victory was their ability to capitalize on turnovers, scoring 27 points off 19 turnovers committed by the Heat.

This win marks the Thunder's seventh consecutive victory, improving their record to 22-5, which is the second-best in the NBA and the best in the Western Conference.

Gilgeous-Alexander continues to shine, achieving a scoring streak of at least 25 points in 17 consecutive games, the longest active streak in the league.

On the other side, Tyler Herro led the Miami Heat with 28 points and 12 rebounds, while Bam Adebayo added 17 points and 10 rebounds despite suffering an injury during the game.

Adebayo required seven stitches after being elbowed by teammate Jaime Jaquez Jr., but he returned to play after the injury.

Looking ahead, the Thunder will face the Washington Wizards on December 23, 2024, while the Heat are set to play against the Orlando Magic on December 21, 2024.

In off-court news, Heat managing general partner Micky Arison and senior director Ruth Riley Hunter have been nominated as Basketball Hall of Fame candidates for 2025, with backing from coach Erik Spoelstra.