Being on a remarkable journey, the Oklahoma City Thunder clinched the Western Conference’s No. 1 seed with a stellar 57-25 record, marking their first top seed since 2013. This achievement, a testament to their talented young roster, largely hinges on the exceptional performance of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
After a dominant display against the Dallas Mavericks, where the Thunder secured the top seed with a resounding 135-86 victory, Gilgeous-Alexander expressed his aspirations for the MVP title.
The two-time All-Star’s impact was undeniable this season, as he elevated his game to new heights. Averaging an impressive 30.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, 6.2 assists, and two steals per game while shooting an efficient 53.5% from the field, Gilgeous-Alexander ranked among the league’s elite performers.
Notably, Gilgeous-Alexander distinguished himself as one of the most clutch performers in the NBA. His 112 clutch points were accompanied by a remarkable 58.1% shooting percentage and minimal turnovers. With Gilgeous-Alexander on the front, the Thunder boasted a formidable 24-14 record in clutch situations.
As the Thunder gear up for their playoff campaign, Gilgeous-Alexander’s stellar play and leadership position them as formidable contenders, with the MVP title serving as a fitting reward for his exceptional contributions to the team’s success.
Oklahoma City Thunder emerged as one of the NBA’s most formidable teams, boasting impressive statistics across the board. Finishing third in offensive rating (118.3), fourth in defensive rating (111.0), and second in net rating (plus-7.3), they stood out as one of the elite teams on both ends of the floor, a feat shared only with the Boston Celtics.
Coach Mark Daigneault emphasized the team’s collective effort, particularly highlighting Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s pivotal role. Daigneault lauded Gilgeous-Alexander’s consistent excellence, noting his impact on both offense and defense.
With Gilgeous-Alexander’s contributions, the Thunder consistently dominated on both ends of the court, ranking among the top five in both offensive and defensive efficiency. Gilgeous-Alexander’s brilliance further solidified his MVP candidacy.
His remarkable stats, clutch performances, and leadership in securing the No. 1 seed in the conference underscored his undeniable impact on the team’s success. While, Gilgeous-Alexander presents a compelling case for the MVP title, his candidacy faces stiff competition from Nikola Jokic.
