OKLAHOMA CITY — In an impressive display of skill, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shone brightly once again, reflecting his MVP-caliber season with a remarkable 40-point performance on Thursday night. However, it was the overall effort of the Oklahoma City Thunder that truly excited him, particularly in their nationally televised victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers, a contest featuring two of the NBA’s top teams.
Gilgeous-Alexander noted the essential role of his teammates, affectionately referring to them as “cockroaches” and “hyenas,” emphasizing the unheralded efforts of those who contribute significantly without garnering the spotlight. “While I might be the leading scorer and receive most of the accolades, it’s crucial to recognize those players who, despite not averaging 30 points, are fundamental to our success,” he remarked. “I’m happy the world can now see their contributions.”
Standing at 6-foot-6, Gilgeous-Alexander showcased his versatility, contributing 40 points and eight assists in just three quarters during the Thunder’s commanding 134-114 win against the Cavaliers, who lead the Eastern Conference. His efficient shooting night included 17 of 26 attempts, skillfully penetrating the Cavaliers’ defense to score at the rim or connect on mid-range shots.
Last season’s NBA MVP runner-up has been phenomenal this year, registering an average of 31.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 6.0 assists, helping the Thunder achieve an impressive record that ties them with Cleveland for the league’s best at 34-6. His excellence has not gone unnoticed; he’s been named the Western Conference Player of the Month twice already.
When questioned whether Gilgeous-Alexander was attempting to make a statement on a prominent platform like TNT for the Thunder franchise, coach Mark Daigneault dismissed the notion, saying, “He just looked the same. He consistently performs at a high level, which is part of what makes him great.”
Fans are rallying behind him; in the latest All-Star fan voting, he is at the forefront among Western Conference guards, significantly outpacing collections from Stephen Curry, Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, and Anthony Edwards.
Expressing his thoughts on the fan recognition, Gilgeous-Alexander shared, “It feels rewarding. All the effort I’ve put in is starting to show results. Life doesn’t offer any guarantees, so I appreciate every moment as a blessing. I aim to remain grounded and focus on my role each game.”
Currently, Jalen Williams has emerged as a crucial ally for Gilgeous-Alexander on the roster, especially with Chet Holmgren sidelined due to a hip fracture. Williams is having a breakout season, averaging 20.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 5.2 assists in his third year. Though he has yet to earn an All-Star selection, Gilgeous-Alexander is confident that this will change in the near future.
“Look at his scoring—20 points on efficient shooting,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “He steps up when I’m off the court and creates opportunities for himself and others.”
The conversation took a lighthearted turn when Gilgeous-Alexander praised Williams for his defensive capabilities but playfully questioned his height. Williams claims to be 6-6, but Gilgeous-Alexander seems to have a different perspective.
“Realistically, at 6-4, he manages to defend all five positions. Just tonight, he was matched up against a 7-footer. I couldn’t do that, and many others our size couldn’t either,” he emphasized. “His contributions directly impact our wins, and nobody has had a greater hand in our success than Jalen Williams, which is why he deserves an All-Star nod.”
