Shai Gilgeous-Alexander reflects on OKC Thunder's position in Western Conference
OKC Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has had a tremendous season with the team thus far. However, as the Thunder continue to grow as a unit, he has reflected on the team's promising position this season in comparison to the last two seasons.
Gilgeous-Alexander and the OKC Thunder have been a force to be reckoned with this season. Although the team is still a long way away from being title contenders, the Thunder play an interesting brand of basketball that makes them tricky and competitive.
Led by the impressive young duo of Shai and Josh Giddey, OKC currently features a 21-23 record. Coming off an impressive turnaround win against the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday, the Thunder are certainly a team to keep an eye on.
At the very least, this is something that Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander recently expressed. When asked about the team's current place in the Western Conference, SGA responded by saying:
"We know we won 24 games all of last year and 22 the year before. We know we’re getting better. And I think guys are kind of getting addicted to the feeling and just trying to be better every day and continue to grow."
SGA asked about the standings:
“We know we won 24 games all of last year and 22 the year before. We know we’re getting better. And I think guys are kind of getting addicted to the feeling and just trying to be better every day and continue to grow.”
Considering their records over the past two seasons, the Thunder have made massive improvements already. After notching 21 wins halfway through the season, OKC are well on track to surpass their wins from last season.
Almost on the verge of touching .500 as well, the Thunder could also aspire to be in the Play-In tournament at some point.
This is certainly not outside the realm of possibility. With Giddey and SGA playing the way they are, the Thunder are practically sleepers in the West. With other interesting elements in Luguentz Dort, the Thunder have enough to disrupt the status quo to some extent.
The potential in OKC is impressive to say the least. While we see more of a refined product in Shai, the Thunder still have some pieces that demand more attention.
With number two overall pick Chet Holmgren also waiting to make his NBA debut, the Thunder will hopefully look like a much-improved team next season.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander earns attention as a potential All-Star
The OKC Thunder have seen Shai Gilgeous-Alexander rise to stardom over the last two seasons. Since handing him his contract extension, there has been some doubt about his ability to stay healthy. However, as he spends more time on the floor, it is evident why OKC paid him the big bucks.
SGA has been tremendous this season. While having a reputation for being an extremely skilled player, he has put up some solid numbers with those skills as well.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is currently fourth in the NBA in scoring with an average of 30.7 points per game. Considering that the other players ahead of him are Luka Doncic, Joel Embiid and Giannis Antetokounmpo, Shai sees himself listed alongside elite company.
Needless to say, his scoring has impacted winning for OKC as well. With Sunday's game against the Nets being an example of this, Shai led the Thunder to a win alongside Josh Giddey as the two combined for 56 points.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander knocks down the 3-pointer after a flurry of pump-fakes 👌
https://t.co/eNNHiAhtkv
His performances have earned him some mentions as a potential All-Star. While Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is more likely to be a coach's selection, the Thunder guard certainly deserves to be there.
Doc asked if he thought Shai could become a 30 PPG guy …
“I did think he was a potential All-Star.” https://t.co/ntuoobcxgh