Thunder Dominate Heat 124-112 Behind Gilgeous-Alexander’s 29 Points
OKLAHOMA CITY, January 17, 2026 – The Oklahoma City Thunder extended their winning streak to three games with a decisive 124-112 victory over the Miami Heat on January 11, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 29-point performance. The Thunder’s dominant third quarter proved to be the difference in the matchup between two of the NBA’s top defensive teams.
Game Summary
The Miami Heat started strong, building a nine-point lead in the first quarter and taking a 59-54 advantage into halftime. However, the Thunder exploded in the third quarter, outscoring the Heat 39-26 behind 16 points from Gilgeous-Alexander. A crucial 15-0 run during the period gave Oklahoma City a 13-point lead they would not relinquish. The Thunder capitalized on 23 Miami turnovers, converting them into 39 points, while committing only 13 turnovers themselves after the first quarter.
Key Statistics
| Category | Oklahoma City Thunder | Miami Heat |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 124 | 112 |
| Field Goal % | 50.5% (47/93) | 51.2% (42/82) |
| Three-Point % | 29.4% (10/34) | 40.0% (12/30) |
| Turnovers | 13 | 23 |
| Points Off Turnovers | 39 | 15 |
| Current Streak | Won 5 | Lost 3 |
Player Performances
Oklahoma City Thunder: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led all scorers with 29 points, 5 rebounds, and 8 assists, extending his streak of 20+ point games to 110. Jalen Williams added 19 points, while Chet Holmgren recorded a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Rookie Ajay Mitchell contributed 16 points off the bench.
Miami Heat: Andrew Wiggins led Miami with 23 points, including seven three-pointers. Tyler Herro scored 19 points, and Pelle Larsson added 16. The Heat were without Norman Powell due to lower back soreness.
Standings Impact
The victory improved Oklahoma City’s league-best record to 35-7, maintaining their commanding lead in the Northwest Division. The Thunder now hold a 6.5-game advantage over the Denver Nuggets. Miami fell to 21-20, sitting second in the Southeast Division behind the Orlando Magic.
How to Watch NBA Games in Canada
Canadian basketball fans can catch Thunder and Heat games through several platforms:
- Sportsnet+: Offers comprehensive NBA coverage including 41 Toronto Raptors games and select national matchups. Plans start at $29.99/month.
- TSN/TSN+: Broadcasts select NBA games and 41 Raptors matchups. TSN+ subscription available for $8.00/month.
- NBA League Pass: The official global streaming service providing access to every out-of-market game. Blackout restrictions apply for local team broadcasts. Pricing starts at approximately $21.99 CAD/month.
- Prime Video Beginning in 2026, Prime Video will carry 67 live NBA games in Canada as part of the new media rights deal.
For viewers encountering regional blackouts, VPN services like Surfshark can help bypass geographical restrictions by connecting to servers in other regions.
Historical Context
This victory continues Oklahoma City’s recent dominance over Miami. The Thunder have won five of the last six meetings between the two teams, including a 104-97 victory in Miami on December 20, 2024. The franchises have met only once in the playoffs, with Miami winning the 2012 NBA Finals 4-1.
What’s Next
The Miami Heat (21-20) returned home to host the Phoenix Suns on January 13. The Oklahoma City Thunder (35-7) hosted the San Antonio Spurs on January 13 as they continued their pursuit of the top seed in the Western Conference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the Thunder vs. Heat game on January 11, 2026?
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Miami Heat 124-112 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.
How many points did Shai Gilgeous-Alexander score?
Gilgeous-Alexander scored 29 points, extending his streak of 20+ point games to 110 consecutive contests.
What was the key to Oklahoma City’s victory?
The Thunder dominated the third quarter 39-26 and converted 23 Miami turnovers into 39 points, while committing only 13 turnovers themselves after the first quarter.
How can I watch NBA games in Canada?
Canadian viewers can watch through Sportsnet+, TSN/TSN+, NBA League Pass, and beginning in 2026, Amazon Prime Video. Regional blackouts may apply for local team games.
What are both teams’ records after this game?
Oklahoma City improved to 35-7 (best in NBA), while Miami fell to 21-20 (second in Southeast Division).