After one of his most memorable games, a career-high 45-point, 9-assist, and 5-steal performance, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander remained surprisingly nonchalant. Despite leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 134-126 victory over the LA Clippers, Gilgeous-Alexander shrugged off his stats, brushing aside any notion that it was an exceptional night. For him, it was “just another basketball game.” Sure, it was his 14th career 40-point game, but he saw room for improvement, recalling some missed opportunities. This casual confidence is precisely what makes Gilgeous-Alexander one of the most intriguing rising stars in the NBA today.
The game was Oklahoma City's first without their budding star Chet Holmgren, who is expected to miss at least two months due to a hip fracture. Playing without Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein (recovering from a left-hand fracture), and Jaylin Williams (out with a hamstring injury), the Thunder found themselves in a small-ball lineup against a full-strength Clippers team. “We’ve been there before,” Gilgeous-Alexander commented on adapting to small-ball tactics. “We’ve won games playing small, and we can do it again.”
What sets Gilgeous-Alexander apart from many young stars is his commitment to growth, not just for himself but for the entire Thunder roster. After last season’s playoff exit to the Dallas Mavericks, he came away with insights that he’s now using to elevate his team. "I don't say this to slight my teammates," he explained. "But at the end of last season, I felt like there were things I could have done to help my teammates be more prepared for those high-stakes moments.” For Gilgeous-Alexander, it’s not only about scoring big but about equipping his team to handle pressure and make critical decisions.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s leadership mindset has already paid dividends for the Thunder, who are off to an impressive 9-2 start in the Western Conference. His commitment is evident not just in words but in action, as he strives to help his younger teammates become playoff-ready. In a game like the one against the Clippers, when L.A. cut the Thunder’s 20-point lead down to just two in the final minute, Gilgeous-Alexander took over. He scored 10 points in the last five minutes, sealing the game with two crucial free throws with just 22.7 seconds left on the clock. This kind of clutch performance has led Clippers coach Ty Lue to compare him to legends, saying Gilgeous-Alexander plays with a control and timing that resembles all-time greats like Michael Jordan.
Even though Norman Powell led the Clippers’ charge with an explosive 31 points—29 of which came in the second half—the Thunder remained resilient. While Powell was shooting lights-out, going 10-of-12 from the field and hitting 5-of-6 three-pointers, it was Gilgeous-Alexander’s calm, calculated approach that ultimately made the difference. His response to the Clippers’ rally demonstrated his ability to keep his cool and take over when his team needed him most.
This game also marked a historical milestone for Gilgeous-Alexander as he became the first player in Thunder/SuperSonics franchise history to record at least 45 points and five steals in a single game. But these milestones, while impressive, are secondary to him. He has bigger goals in mind, focused on taking the Thunder on a deep playoff run and breaking through in the Western Conference.
Reflecting on last season’s playoff loss to Dallas, Gilgeous-Alexander revealed a strategic, almost philosophical approach to improvement. "When we lost [to Dallas], I thought about why we lost and obviously there's so many things to nitpick," he shared. “But I can only control what I can control, and I try to look at it through that lens.” This mature approach is rare in a 26-year-old player, underscoring his role as a natural leader who is laser-focused on team success over personal accolades.
To put it simply, Gilgeous-Alexander’s commitment to his team is evident both on and off the court. Here’s what makes him such an exciting leader:
- Selflessness: Gilgeous-Alexander consistently deflects praise and emphasizes team over self, focusing on how he can help elevate his teammates.
- Strategic Mindset: He analyzes losses and identifies areas where he can make the team stronger, especially under high-pressure playoff conditions.
- Clutch Performances: With an ability to take control in crunch time, Gilgeous-Alexander scores big when it counts, as shown in his crucial late-game contributions against the Clippers.
- Adaptability: Whether playing small-ball or adjusting to lineup changes, he keeps the Thunder competitive and resilient.
- Vision for the Future: Even with career-high stats, he’s focused on preparing the team for the playoffs, realizing the importance of honing his teammates’ skills and confidence.
Despite his rising fame, Gilgeous-Alexander doesn’t let individual stats or records overshadow his ultimate goals. For him, it’s all about hitting milestones that matter: playoff victories and ultimately, a championship for Oklahoma City.
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