OKLAHOMA CITY — In the realm of professional basketball, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander stands out not just for his prowess on the court, but for his understated demeanor. Whether he has a challenging game or orchestrates a high-scoring performance, the Canadian star remains composed and unfazed, setting himself apart in an NBA world often characterized by self-promotion and spectacle.
At 26, Gilgeous-Alexander maintains a calm and collected presence that draws attention. Despite not yet considering himself one of the all-time greats, he seems to be charting a path towards greatness. His ability to maintain this cool-headed approach even in the face of adversity means that when he does show emotion, it becomes a notable event. This was evident when a smile during a tough Game 3 loss to the Denver Nuggets caught the attention of many, rapidly gaining views online.
Reflecting on the incident, Gilgeous-Alexander explained, “Some fans were taunting me. I understand the highs and lows of the game and life. It’s easy to taunt when you’re on top, but I never want to give anyone the impression that I am defeated or upset. Nothing’s decided yet, and we still have much to be hopeful about.”
True to his words, the series was far from concluded. Gilgeous-Alexander played a crucial role in regaining homecourt advantage for Oklahoma City, scoring 25 points and contributing six rebounds and six assists in a pivotal 92-87 win in Game 4.
His resilience and ability to bounce back are rooted in a consistent approach he has developed over the years. “I don’t worry about how my game is perceived,” he noted during an earlier series. “I focus on timing, the score, and quality of play. The game usually rewards us for staying present and letting it unfold naturally.”
Returning to Oklahoma City for Game 5 presents an opportunity for the Thunder to push the Denver Nuggets and their standout player, Nikola Joki?, to the edge of elimination. Once again, fans can expect Gilgeous-Alexander to lead with his signature steady approach.
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault appreciates this consistency, noting, “He’s steady every day and in every situation, regardless of external factors.” His stability in both preparation and play is a key factor in his enduring performance.
Opposition coaches like Indiana’s Rick Carlisle acknowledge Gilgeous-Alexander’s multifaceted game. “He’s a rare player who can score efficiently from anywhere on the court,” Carlisle remarked. His repertoire includes long-range shots, threes, mid-range shots, and floaters, making him a significant challenge to defend against.
In addition to his scoring, Gilgeous-Alexander also shines in playmaking and defense, averaging 6.4 assists per game in the regular season and emerging as a notable perimeter defender. Detroit coach J.B. Bickerstaff highlighted his impact, saying, “His ability to influence games positively is what an MVP embodies. His leadership and how teammates rally around him speak volumes.”
So prolific is his scoring that Golden State’s Steve Kerr was unsurprised by his 52-point performance against the Warriors earlier this year. “Shai is remarkable,” Kerr commented. “Everyone is aware of his abilities, which makes him exceptionally challenging to defend.”
Gilgeous-Alexander follows in the footsteps of past Oklahoma City icons like Kevin Durant, James Harden, Russell Westbrook, and Paul George, each of whom left their mark on the franchise. Yet, Gilgeous-Alexander is forging his own path, re-establishing the Thunder’s prominence in the league.
During Game 1, when former Thunder star Russell Westbrook was greeted with applause, Gilgeous-Alexander’s reaction was a testament to his confident yet humble nature. He expressed admiration for Westbrook’s contributions to the team and city, acknowledging, “The recognition is deserved for what he’s done for the organization and the game as a whole.”
While achieving an NBA championship remains central to Gilgeous-Alexander’s ambitions, he recognizes it as a key step towards being considered among the basketball greats. “Winning and championships are my focus,” he noted. “Once I’ve achieved that, everything else, including recognition, will naturally follow.”