With the clock at zero, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s jumper missed, Rui Hachimura grabbed the rebound, and the Clippers had escaped, 113-112. Los Angeles entered at 2-8, trying to find bright chapters in a tough new season. Oklahoma City arrived at 8-4 with championship hopes. For one wild night, the Clippers matched the Thunder’s star power with grit, shooting, and a huge finish from Brook Lopez and Darius Garland.

The Clippers raced ahead early. Garland scored the first five points, then Lopez mixed a short floater with two deep three-pointers. Los Angeles led 20-14, but Oklahoma City’s size answered. Rookie center Aday Mara blocked shots, finished two dunks, and helped the Thunder climb back to a 20-20 tie. Clippers guard Keaton Wagler then made free throws in his first shift, while guard Kobe Sanders hit a late three. Los Angeles finished the first quarter ahead 33-27.

Wagler kept the home team moving in the second quarter. He hit a floater and a three, then found Hachimura for another long shot as the lead grew to 41-33. The Clippers’ defense also made the Thunder work. Derrick Jones Jr. blocked four shots in the game, including several important rim attacks. By halftime, Lopez had kept the offense steady inside and out, and Los Angeles led 57-44.

Then Gilgeous-Alexander took over. He scored 40 points, using pull-up jumpers, drives, and free throws to lead a fierce Thunder charge. Thunder guard McCain drilled three three-pointers in the third quarter, and Oklahoma City stormed from 13 down to take a 79-74 lead. A late three by Clippers guard Dick put Los Angeles ahead briefly, but McCain answered with a 30-footer before the horn. The Thunder led 84-82 after three.

Oklahoma City pushed its lead to 93-87 early in the fourth when Isaiah Hartenstein scored inside. Hartenstein was powerful all night, finishing with 21 points, 16 rebounds, and six assists. Yet the Clippers refused to fade. Dick scored seven fourth-quarter points, and Lopez buried a three to pull Los Angeles within 100-99.

The final minutes became Garland’s stage. After Gilgeous-Alexander hit a step-back three for a 110-106 lead, Garland answered with a three of his own. Lopez later scored on a layup and a pull-up jumper, bringing the Clippers within two. With 50.4 seconds left, Garland drove to the basket, scored, drew a foul, and made the free throw for a 113-112 lead.

Gilgeous-Alexander missed two chances in the final minute, including the last jumper, as Lopez finished with 26 points and Garland had 24 points and seven assists. The Clippers moved to 3-8 and carry new confidence into their next game against Charlotte. The Thunder fell to 8-5 before facing Sacramento, reminded that even a 40-point night needs one final stop.

Brook Lopez and Darius Garland Lift Clippers Over Thunder at the Buzzer