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Jalen Williams scores 33 points, Thunder remain red-hot by topping Heat 104-97

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Jalen Williams scores 33 points, Thunder remain red-hot by topping Heat 104-97
Sport

Sport

Jalen Williams scores 33 points, Thunder remain red-hot by topping Heat 104-97

2024-12-21 11:34 Last Updated At：11:40

MIAMI (AP) — Jalen Williams scored a season-high 33 points, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 25 and the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Miami Heat 104-97 on Friday night for their seventh straight victory.

Lu Dort scored 14 points and Isaiah Hartenstein had 13 points and 18 rebounds for the Thunder, who improved to 22-5 — the second-best record in the NBA and tops in the Western Conference.

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Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier (2) drives to the basket as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Aaron Wiggins (21) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier (2) drives to the basket as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Aaron Wiggins (21) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)
Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein (55) and Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) go after a ball before it goes out of bounds during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein (55) and Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) go after a ball before it goes out of bounds during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)
Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault gestures during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Miami Heat, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault gestures during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Miami Heat, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)
Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (14) drives to the basket during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (14) drives to the basket during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)
Miami Heat forward Duncan Robinson (55) drives to the basket as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Miami Heat forward Duncan Robinson (55) drives to the basket as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Aaron Wiggins (21) defends Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier (2) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Aaron Wiggins (21) defends Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier (2) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8) drives to the basket as Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8) drives to the basket as Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)
Miami Heat guard Dru Smith (12) dribbles the ball as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Aaron Wiggins (21) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Miami Heat guard Dru Smith (12) dribbles the ball as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Aaron Wiggins (21) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)
Oklahoma City Thunder guards Aaron Wiggins (21) andLuguentz Dort (5) defend Miami Heat guard Jaime Jaquez Jr. (11) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Oklahoma City Thunder guards Aaron Wiggins (21) andLuguentz Dort (5) defend Miami Heat guard Jaime Jaquez Jr. (11) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)
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Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier (2) drives to the basket as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Aaron Wiggins (21) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier (2) drives to the basket as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Aaron Wiggins (21) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein (55) and Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) go after a ball before it goes out of bounds during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein (55) and Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) go after a ball before it goes out of bounds during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault gestures during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Miami Heat, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault gestures during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Miami Heat, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (14) drives to the basket during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (14) drives to the basket during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Miami Heat forward Duncan Robinson (55) drives to the basket as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Miami Heat forward Duncan Robinson (55) drives to the basket as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Aaron Wiggins (21) defends Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier (2) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Aaron Wiggins (21) defends Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier (2) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8) drives to the basket as Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8) drives to the basket as Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Miami Heat guard Dru Smith (12) dribbles the ball as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Aaron Wiggins (21) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Miami Heat guard Dru Smith (12) dribbles the ball as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Aaron Wiggins (21) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Oklahoma City Thunder guards Aaron Wiggins (21) andLuguentz Dort (5) defend Miami Heat guard Jaime Jaquez Jr. (11) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Oklahoma City Thunder guards Aaron Wiggins (21) andLuguentz Dort (5) defend Miami Heat guard Jaime Jaquez Jr. (11) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Oklahoma City's winning streak is alive because the NBA Cup final — a loss Tuesday night to Milwaukee in Las Vegas — doesn't count as a regular-season game.

Tyler Herro had 28 points and 12 rebounds for Miami, which got 17 points and 10 rebounds from Bam Adebayo.

The Heat lost Jimmy Butler to illness in the first quarter and briefly lost Adebayo in the third quarter when he got elbowed over an eye by teammate Jaime Jaquez Jr. Adebayo needed seven stitches but returned.

Thunder: Williams' previous season high was 31. And the big difference for the Thunder was turnovers — they turned 19 Miami giveaways into 27 points.

Heat: Managing general partner Micky Arison and senior director of team development Ruth Riley Hunter — an NCAA, Olympic and WNBA champion — are Basketball Hall of Fame candidates for the Class of 2025. “It's about time” for Arison, said Heat coach Erik Spoelstra, who added that those like Hunter — with college, pro and Olympic titles — should be a Hall lock.

Oklahoma City trailed by three midway through the third quarter, then went on a 10-0 run to kickstart a finishing push. The Thunder were up by 11 entering the fourth.

Gilgeous-Alexander has scored at least 25 points in 17 consecutive games, the longest such streak in the NBA this season.

The Thunder host Washington on Monday. The Heat are at Orlando on Saturday.

AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA

Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier (2) drives to the basket as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Aaron Wiggins (21) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier (2) drives to the basket as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Aaron Wiggins (21) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

 Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein (55) and Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) go after a ball before it goes out of bounds during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein (55) and Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) go after a ball before it goes out of bounds during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

 Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault gestures during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Miami Heat, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault gestures during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Miami Heat, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

 Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (14) drives to the basket during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (14) drives to the basket during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)
Miami Heat forward Duncan Robinson (55) drives to the basket as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Miami Heat forward Duncan Robinson (55) drives to the basket as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

 Oklahoma City Thunder guard Aaron Wiggins (21) defends Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier (2) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Aaron Wiggins (21) defends Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier (2) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

 Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8) drives to the basket as Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8) drives to the basket as Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

 Miami Heat guard Dru Smith (12) dribbles the ball as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Aaron Wiggins (21) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Miami Heat guard Dru Smith (12) dribbles the ball as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Aaron Wiggins (21) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)
Oklahoma City Thunder guards Aaron Wiggins (21) andLuguentz Dort (5) defend Miami Heat guard Jaime Jaquez Jr. (11) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Oklahoma City Thunder guards Aaron Wiggins (21) andLuguentz Dort (5) defend Miami Heat guard Jaime Jaquez Jr. (11) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Next Article

A traditional send-off in New Orleans for an innovative brass band musician

 2024-12-21 11:23 Last Updated At：11:30

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Blaring trumpets and joyful voices resounded in a New Orleans neighborhood this week as about 100 people marched in honor of John “Prince” Gilbert, a key member of innovative brass bands that have become an important part of the city's music scene over the past several decades.

Gilbert, who died last weekend, played the saxophone for Rebirth Brass Band, which has been a favorite in New Orleans since the 1980s. The band is known for preserving and growing the brass band heritage, combining genres including funk, soul and jazz to create their own sound. He also was part of the New Birth Brass Band.

He taught, and recorded with, his son Orlando, who organized Monday evening's second line parade — so called because observers traditionally fall in behind the band and marchers to form a second parade line.

“He’s one of the innovators of New Orleans music, and he’s left an indelible mark on New Orleans culture and is and will always be a part of the history of New Orleans culture,” Orlando said of his father's career.

“My father’s playing was the bedrock of my own musicianship,” he added.

This undated family photo released by Orlando Gilbert shows Orlando with his father John "Prince" Gilbert in younger days. (Orlando Gilbert via AP)

This undated family photo released by Orlando Gilbert shows Orlando with his father John "Prince" Gilbert in younger days. (Orlando Gilbert via AP)

 Orlando Prince, a rising jazz musician and son of John "Prince" Gilbert, plays and marches in an emotional second line parade, as a sendoff for his father who recently died, in the Treme section of New Orleans, Monday, Dec. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Orlando Prince, a rising jazz musician and son of John "Prince" Gilbert, plays and marches in an emotional second line parade, as a sendoff for his father who recently died, in the Treme section of New Orleans, Monday, Dec. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

 Musicians and friends form a second line parade organized by Orlando Prince, a rising jazz musician, for his father John "Prince" Gilbert, as a sendoff for his father who recently died, in the Treme section of New Orleans, Monday, Dec. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Musicians and friends form a second line parade organized by Orlando Prince, a rising jazz musician, for his father John "Prince" Gilbert, as a sendoff for his father who recently died, in the Treme section of New Orleans, Monday, Dec. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

 Orlando Prince, center, a rising jazz musician and son of John "Prince" Gilbert, plays and marches in an emotional second line parade, as a sendoff for his father who recently died, in the Treme section of New Orleans, Monday, Dec. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Orlando Prince, center, a rising jazz musician and son of John "Prince" Gilbert, plays and marches in an emotional second line parade, as a sendoff for his father who recently died, in the Treme section of New Orleans, Monday, Dec. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

 Musicians and friends form a second line parade organized by Orlando Prince, a rising jazz musician, for his father John "Prince" Gilbert, as a sendoff for his father who recently died, in the Treme section of New Orleans, Monday, Dec. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Musicians and friends form a second line parade organized by Orlando Prince, a rising jazz musician, for his father John "Prince" Gilbert, as a sendoff for his father who recently died, in the Treme section of New Orleans, Monday, Dec. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

 Orlando Prince, a rising jazz musician and son of John "Prince" Gilbert, plays and marches in an emotional second line parade, as a sendoff for his father who recently died, in the Treme section of New Orleans, Monday, Dec. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Orlando Prince, a rising jazz musician and son of John "Prince" Gilbert, plays and marches in an emotional second line parade, as a sendoff for his father who recently died, in the Treme section of New Orleans, Monday, Dec. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

 Musicians and friends form a second line parade organized by Orlando Prince, a rising jazz musician, for his father John "Prince" Gilbert, as a sendoff for his father who recently died, in the Treme section of New Orleans, Monday, Dec. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Musicians and friends form a second line parade organized by Orlando Prince, a rising jazz musician, for his father John "Prince" Gilbert, as a sendoff for his father who recently died, in the Treme section of New Orleans, Monday, Dec. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

 Musicians and friends form a second line parade organized by Orlando Prince, a rising jazz musician, for his father John "Prince" Gilbert, as a sendoff for his father who recently died, in the Treme section of New Orleans, Monday, Dec. 16, 2024. John "Prince " Gilbert was a founding member of the Rebirth Brass Band and a fixture in the New Orleans Jazz community for decades. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Musicians and friends form a second line parade organized by Orlando Prince, a rising jazz musician, for his father John "Prince" Gilbert, as a sendoff for his father who recently died, in the Treme section of New Orleans, Monday, Dec. 16, 2024. John "Prince " Gilbert was a founding member of the Rebirth Brass Band and a fixture in the New Orleans Jazz community for decades. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

 This undated family photo released by Orlando Gilbert shows Orlando with his father John "Prince" Gilbert in younger days. (Orlando Gilbert via AP)

This undated family photo released by Orlando Gilbert shows Orlando with his father John "Prince" Gilbert in younger days. (Orlando Gilbert via AP)

 Orlando Prince, a rising jazz musician and son of John "Prince" Gilbert, plays and marches in an emotional second line parade, as a sendoff for his father who recently died, in the Treme section of New Orleans, Monday, Dec. 16, 2024. John "Prince " Gilbert was a founding member of the Rebirth Brass Band and a fixture in the New Orleans Jazz community for decades. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Orlando Prince, a rising jazz musician and son of John "Prince" Gilbert, plays and marches in an emotional second line parade, as a sendoff for his father who recently died, in the Treme section of New Orleans, Monday, Dec. 16, 2024. John "Prince " Gilbert was a founding member of the Rebirth Brass Band and a fixture in the New Orleans Jazz community for decades. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

 This undated family photo released by Orlando Gilbert shows Orlando with his father John "Prince" Gilbert in younger days. (Orlando Gilbert via AP)

This undated family photo released by Orlando Gilbert shows Orlando with his father John "Prince" Gilbert in younger days. (Orlando Gilbert via AP)

 Orlando Prince, a rising jazz musician and son of John "Prince" Gilbert, plays and marches in an emotional second line parade, as a sendoff for his father who recently died, in the Treme section of New Orleans, Monday, Dec. 16, 2024. John "Prince " Gilbert was a founding member of the Rebirth Brass Band and a fixture in the New Orleans Jazz community for decades. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Orlando Prince, a rising jazz musician and son of John "Prince" Gilbert, plays and marches in an emotional second line parade, as a sendoff for his father who recently died, in the Treme section of New Orleans, Monday, Dec. 16, 2024. John "Prince " Gilbert was a founding member of the Rebirth Brass Band and a fixture in the New Orleans Jazz community for decades. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
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