Because of that, Gilgeous-Alexander isn't afforded the chance to deliciously stat-pad. He's averaging just 34 minutes in 41 games this season. He's sat out 10 fourth quarters. While his stats are still MVP-worthy, the extra playing time could've boosted his 31.5-point average a little higher to chase the scoring title.

The Oklahoma City Thunder cruised to an easy 127-101 win over the Brooklyn Nets. The wire-to-wire win included a lead as high as 29 points. The Thunder opened with a 13-2 run before the Nets quickly called a timeout.

OKLAHOMA CITY — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 27 points and 10 assists in three quarters, and the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Brooklyn Nets 127-101 on Sunday night. Gilgeous-Alexander, the NBA’s leading scorer,