Shai Gilgeous-Alexander carried a shorthanded Oklahoma City team on Monday night, scoring a season-high 43 points in a 117-112 road win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. The go-ahead three-pointer came with roughly 33 seconds remaining, turning a tight finish into the Thunder's first win after two straight losses.

The volume told the story as much as the total: Gilgeous-Alexander attempted a career-high 35 field goals, a workload that reflects how much offense Oklahoma City needs from its star while the roster is hobbled. With the team thin, the Thunder leaned on their MVP-caliber guard to create nearly everything down the stretch — and he delivered the biggest shot of the night on cue.

For Cleveland, it was a frustrating near-miss at home against one of the West's benchmark teams. The Cavaliers stayed within a possession late but had no answer for Gilgeous-Alexander's shotmaking in the final minute. If Monday was any indication, Oklahoma City is prepared to ride its franchise player hard until reinforcements return.