Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder are vying for the top position in the Western Conference.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander instructed the Orlando Magic spectators to depart after executing a step-back shot (Image via screengrab/X)
The Oklahoma City Thunder are competing for the lead in the Western Conference. Although it was not their original objective, the youthful team has embraced this challenge.
With an abundance of draft picks and a diverse group of young talents, the Thunder are currently only half a game behind in the highly competitive Western Conference. Gilgeous-Alexander is the unquestionable superstar leader of this team. In his sixth year and already in the MVP race, Gilgeous-Alexander has guided the young Thunder team to consistent progress over the past few years.
Tonight, facing another resurgent young team, the Orlando Magic, the Thunder needed to maintain their monthly winning record. As the fourth quarter drew to a close, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was rallying the Thunder after the Magic narrowed the lead.
At one point, he was closely guarded by Magic superstar . Gilgeous-Alexander was unable to drive to the basket as desired. Instead, he spun around and successfully executed a step-back jumper, silencing the Magic crowd. He then gestured for the Magic fans to “go home.”
The young Magic team is not to be underestimated, as they are also vying for a playoff spot. They made every effort to impede the Thunder, particularly Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. In the first half, they effectively contained Gilgeous-Alexander. Their defensive strategies significantly limited Gilgeous-Alexander’s impact on the game.
However, in the second half, Gilgeous-Alexander came out firing. He entered a hot streak, leading the Thunder to a formidable 127-113 victory over the Magic. This win allows them to celebrate and rest during the NBA All-Star weekend.
The Oklahoma City Thunder’s ascent to the top is a remarkable tale. Typically, a team that loses three MVP-level superstars takes a long time to reverse their fortunes. The Thunder managed to return to playoff contention in just four seasons after trading away . This gradual progression is solely attributed to the development of their young players.
Since 2020, the Thunder have not had a single superstar on their roster. The emergence of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as an MVP candidate is a testament to the continuous growth of the coaching staff. The Thunder’s second-place position in the West is not a result of luck, but rather hard work.
Although some of the Western Conference teams filled with superstars have yet to showcase their true abilities, it does not diminish the Thunder’s status as legitimate playoff contenders.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander just demonstrated what confidence means to the Orlando Magic. He and the Oklahoma City Thunder will undoubtedly need it come playoff time.
According to the Source firstsportz.com