Oklahoma City Showdown
OKLAHOMA CITY — Feel free to join in on the playful chant if you’d like.
“Freee-throoow merrrchaaant …” fans of the Indiana Pacers will likely chant at Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as the NBA Finals continue with Game 3 this Wednesday.
Critique and Disrespect
If history is any indication, expect more online debates about how the reigning MVP’s style isn’t captivating enough to justify the surrounding hype. Despite such criticisms, Gilgeous-Alexander has been showcasing his talent throughout this season, leading the Thunder to a decisive 123-107 victory in Game 2.
Underrated Performance
His 34-point, eight-assist, five-rebound performance in Game 2 demonstrated his ability to masterfully navigate defenses and make precise decisions, often going unnoticed due to his more subdued approach compared to high-flyers like Ja Morant or Nikola Jokić. Surprisingly, he has outperformed both, leading them out of the playoffs during this remarkable seven-week stretch.
Ashifting Stats
Individually, after two NBA Finals games, Gilgeous-Alexander has scored 72 points, surpassing Allen Iverson’s previous record. Criticism arose following his Game 1 performance, where he scored 38 points but had minimal assists amid a significant loss. Yet, it’s amusing to witness scrutiny aimed at a player who nearly hit 40 points.
Historic Playoff Averages
Overall, Gilgeous-Alexander’s playoff performance is exceptional, averaging 30.8 points, 6.8 assists, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.8 steals over 18 games. Only Michael Jordan and LeBron James have matched such numbers in a postseason of at least 16 games, highlighting his extraordinary accomplishment.
Coaches Acknowledge Dominance
Pacers coach Rick Carlisle recognized this, stating, “With Shai, you can almost guarantee 34 points.” Notably, he volunteered this observation without being prompted, reflecting Gilgeous-Alexander’s essential role in the Thunder’s success and hinting at his unstoppable nature.
Future Prospects
Gilgeous-Alexander remains focused, stating, “I’m being myself … I think I’ve done a pretty good job of that so far.” With a bright future ahead, he embodies the potential of the Thunder as they strive for success.
