Shai Gilgeous-Alexander does not draw his weight, or maybe it is the long season, although the motivation may not have reached its peak yet.
Gilgeous-Alexander himself suggests it. He is looking for more of himself when the Oklahoma City Thunder progresses through the playoffs.
Consider it as a warning for the rest of the NBA as a Thunder – the best team in the Western Conference throughout the season.
On the edge of the first MVP of his career, Gilgeous-Alexander does not believe that he has contributed enough. And that is after a series of sweep in the first round.
After three games of the first round of the Thunder against the Memphis Grizzlies and 25.0 percent from the 3-point range 35.3 percent of the floor, Gilgeous-Alexander had to make the decision: shooting or immersing in the ball distribution.
“In the past, I would definitely have sneaked away from that moment because my shootout was managed,” said Gilgeous-Alexander after a place in the Western Conference semi-final was secured. “I think I mentally took a step, but I think I did it all the season and it has paid off at the moment of the night we needed.
“It’s all about doing it only. Because I have remained true to what I have become and to which I developed, we got a W this evening.”
If there was a time when the NBA value champion had moved to others with 32.7 points per game, this time is no longer. In game 4 he unloaded 38 points and 54.2 percent to 24 attempts.
And the missions only become higher, which means that the Gilgeous-Alexander will be so much more committed when the conference semicircular arrives.
Next, a Matchup against the Los Angeles Clipperm could be-the team that has exchanged Gilgeous-Alexander after a season-and the thunder still benefits the rewards of what has become a massive one-sided deal.
Another option is a Matchup with the Denver Nuggets, the NBA Champions 2023. The teams shared the four games of the regular season this season. The nuggets scored at least 140 points seven times, the youngest against the thunder on March 10th. The thunder, undoubtedly, remember.
The thunder is waiting to learn your next opponent. Is it the advantage it seems to be?
“I’m not sure,” said Gilgeous-Alexander. “To be honest, it can work against us in both directions. It could add a little rust. It could give a little freshness. I think the attempt to find a balance between these two will be important when we come to the next series, but we always say the time between the games when they win in the playoffs.
The thunder was free for a week between the end of the regular season and the beginning of the playoffs while their opponent continued, and they were fine in the first round.
The fact that your star and your guide take sufficient account of this aspect of the procedure is a good sign. The idea that he wants to increase his game in motion is even better.
“I don’t know where this updes and depth thing comes from. I think he played a damn good series,” said Chet Holmgren from Thunder about his teammates. “… it’s an imperfect game. Shai will never go 25-to-25. I hope he does it. He has made the right games for all series.
Do not make a mistake: the thunder feels good where you stand and sound with what is needed for the street in front of us.
Gilgeous-Alexander has led the thunder into the conference semi-final for the second time in the last three seasons. They look ready to surpass this level now.
“Just try to be a better team than we in the next series in the first series,” said Gilgeous-Alexander.
The warnings for the rest of the league could not be clearer.
“The boys have to bring great focus and intentionality. We have to make a great plan there,” said head coach Mark Daigniegt, staying blocked between the series. “Hopefully we all do it.”
