The NBA season is well underway, and the Oklahoma City Thunder, last season’s champions, are firmly establishing themselves as the team to beat. Demonstrating that their previous title run was no fluke, the Thunder appear intent on becoming the first team to repeat as champions since the Golden State Warriors did it in 2017-18.
Central to the Thunder’s success is their superstar guard and reigning MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who has been phenomenal at the start of this season. In a recent matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers, he solidified his status in NBA history by surpassing Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson for the third-longest streak of scoring over 20 points in consecutive games, now sitting at an impressive 80 games.
In that victory over the Clippers, which ended with a score of 126-107, Gilgeous-Alexander showcased his exceptional skills, scoring 30 points on 9-of-14 shooting, alongside 12 assists, four rebounds, and three blocks—all in just 29 minutes of play. His performance not only highlights his individual brilliance but also emphasizes the strength of the Thunder as a cohesive unit.
Following the game, Gilgeous-Alexander discussed how the team overcame early adversity, reflecting on the lessons learned from challenging moments. “You learn the most in these games,” he stated. “Usually, you’re in the mud because the team is doing something that’s putting you in the mud. You have to figure out a way to get out. You have to figure out a way to win the mud.” His wisdom serves as a motivational reminder of their growth, both as individual players and as a team.
As the Thunder continue their campaign, Gilgeous-Alexander’s statistics for this season so far are impressive, with averages of 33.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, 6.6 assists, and 1.4 blocks over eight games. His relentless drive and leadership suggest that the Thunder are poised for another exciting season, aiming to reclaim the championship title once again.
The Thunder’s strong performance, alongside the exceptional play from Gilgeous-Alexander, creates a hopeful narrative for basketball fans looking forward to an exhilarating season ahead.