Gilges-Alexander scores 40 points while ailing as Thunder earn 10th straight win

Gilges-Alexander, who was listed as questionable on the injury report, made 12 of 19 field goals and 15 of 17 free throws.

Oklahoma City won its 10th straight and became just the fifth team in NBA history to start a season 18-1. Thunder West improved to 4-0 in Group A and are in good position to reach the knockout rounds.

Gilges-Alexander has scored at least 20 points in 91 consecutive games, the third-longest streak in NBA history behind two streaks by Wilt Chamberlain. Gilges-Alexander can match Chamberlain’s second-place streak of 92 straight against Phoenix on Friday.

Anthony Edwards had 31 points and eight rebounds and kept the Timberwolves in the game by making several tough shots, but couldn’t prevent Minnesota from losing its third straight. Minnesota made just 22 of 37 free throws.

It was the last game of the Western Conference Finals series which the Thunder won 4-1. The last time the Timberwolves visited the PCM Center, they were defeated 124-94 in Game 5 as the Thunder swept the West.

Oklahoma City’s Kenrich Williams, who had not played this season because of a left knee injury, got his first action in the first quarter.

The Thunder led 24-17 at the end of the opening quarter. It was Minnesota’s second-lowest point total in any quarter this season.

Gilges-Alexander scored 19 points in the first half to help Toronto take a 49-39 lead.

Minnesota rallied in the third quarter and tied it at 54 and again at 56, but took a 78-71 lead into the third quarter.

Minnesota was within one in the final minute when Edwards made a contested 3-pointer, but Chet Holmgren’s corner 3 with 38 seconds left put the Thunder up four. Oklahoma City outscored Minnesota 8-1 in the final 60 seconds.

Timberwolves: Host Boston on Saturday.

Thunder: Host Phoenix on Friday night.