The rebuild is officially over. A team that was once stocking up picks is now a title contender, doing so while being one of the league’s youngest teams. Thanks to the play of MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who burst onto the scene last season. Gilgeous-Alexander has been arguably the league’s best player, as he has taken a team with no experience to the second best record in the Western Conference. A conference consisting of former league MVP Nikola Jokic and the defending champions Denver Nuggets. Through 60 games, Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 31.1 PTs, 5.6 REBs, 6.5 ASTs, and a league leading 2.1 STLs. Solidifying him as a top five player today, and a contender for MVP. The Oklahoma City Thunder are now a legitimate threat to make some noise in the Western Conference, taking sole possession of first place and controlling their destiny. Though the team is inexperienced, many inside the Thunder organization believe this year’s team could be special.
Experience is one of the main factors holding Oklahoma City back currently. Their roster is one of the youngest by average age; therefore, many can expect there to be growing pains in their first playoff series. However, if there is anybody Thunder fans can rely on, it’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Being constantly compared to Michael Jordan by teammates and fans gives Gilgeous-Alexander high expectations this postseason.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for MVP
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has arguably been the best player in the NBA. Producing on a nightly basis for an inexperienced Oklahoma City Thunder team. Leading the league in games of 30 or more points(45), while also being a pest on the defensive end. Currently leading the league in steals as well. As it currently stands, the Thunder are in a tie with Denver for second place seeding. Only sitting a half-game back from first place after relinquishing their spot Monday night in a 116-104 loss to the Lakers. Despite the loss Monday night, Thunder fans must be thrilled with the play of Gilgeous-Alexander. It can be argued that without Gilgeous-Alexander’s superstar play, the Thunder would be outside the playoff picture, as the Western Conference is as competitive as it has ever been. Given the age of this young Thunder team, having little to no experience, Gilgeous-Alexander is the league’s Most Valuable Player. At least by definition. If the Thunder can maintain position and beat out Denver in seeding, the MVP trophy should be raised in Oklahoma City.
The Thunder are currently one of the few teams that rank top five in offensive and defensive efficiency. Joining the Boston Celtics as the only other team to do so, and proving their record is no fluke. Both of these ratings can be directly attributed to the play of Gilgeous-Alexander, as he is not only a top scorer in the league, but also a top defender. Leading the league in 30 point games and steals. Something unheard of in today’s game. There are still 20 games left in the season; however, the Thunder’s overall efficiency is a testament to the superstar play of Gilgeous-Alexander.
The Future of OKC
The Oklahoma City Thunder have been one of the NBA’s best recent success stories, going from one of the worst teams in the league to one of the best in a couple of seasons. Officially ending the rebuild and entering win-now mode. The league has been on notice, and Thunder fans finally have something to cheer for. Bringing back one of the NBA’s best playoff atmospheres after years of hiatus. Oklahoma City’s recent success is mainly attributed to the young trio of Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, and Shai Gilgeou-Alexander. A trio that reminds Thunder fans of a time when they had three young MVP candidates on one roster. All have little to no playoff experience, making for an intriguing postseason series for whoever they may face in round one.
Currently, Gilgeous-Alexander is the lone all-star on the team; however, the future is bright in OKC. Having a plethora of draft picks, and two of the best young players in Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams. Both scratching the surface of their potential. Without the play of Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder would be another fun young squad with loaded potential; however, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, they are one of the elites. There are about 20 games left in the season. Each game getting more intense with playoff seeding and the potential of homecourt advantage on the line. Currently, Gilgeous-Alexander is 2nd behind Jokic. If he lifts an inexperienced Thunder team to the first seed and homecourt advantage in the playoffs, there is no question who the Most Valuable Player in the NBA is; Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
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