This is definitely the revelation of the year. Averaging 31 points, 4 rebounds and nearly 6 assists per game, these are Stephen Curry’s stats. And yet we’re not talking about the angry San Francisco, but the new face of OKC and possibly the next face of the NBA, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
He’s simply unplayable, amazing, unstoppable or whatever the adjective “capable” is in your mind. The 24-year-old Canadian has had a mental illness early in the season. While OKC doesn’t have the best collective record in history (7 wins to 8 losses and 11th in the West), Thunder fans have reason to be happy. A franchise that has failed to attract a big name to its ranks since the Westbrook era has found a diamond in the rough by hatching SGA. Here’s a little recap of his last six outings to illustrate our point: 42 PTS – 6 REBS – 7 ASTS, 37 PTS – 4 REBS – 8 ASTS, 37 PTS – 5 REBS – 8 ASTS, 20 PTS – 3 REBS – 4 ASTS, 39 PTS – 4 REBS – 4 ASTS, 33 PTS – 7 REBS – 5 ASTS. In addition to these Jordanesque stats (yeah yeah we’re not afraid to say it), Shai is as cold-blooded as February when finishing off some very stormy streaks. Several times this season, like last night in Washington, the leader invited himself into the top 10 actions of the night by sending bombs to win in the last seconds or in overtime.
42 pawns, one buzzer beater, remember this name
OKC moved into the White House last night to take on an in-form Wizards team. Bradley Beal returned from injury to give his friends in the capital the win. Unfortunately, they fell to the bone: Mr. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Drive, bad temper, middle distance, long distance, check it all yourself. The icing on the cake was when SGA put on his hitman mask and planted the winning shot in Will Barton’s face with a big step. Race results? 42 points, 6 rebounds, 7 Caviars on 14/21 shots. We said we can’t play.