Oklahoma City Thunder’s Rising Stars Capture NBA Attention
The Oklahoma City Thunder are making headlines in the NBA this season, boasting a remarkable 27-5 record that currently positions them at the pinnacle of the league standings. Their journey has been historic, as they began the season with an unprecedented 24-1 start, a feat that has only been achieved once before. Despite encountering a challenging stretch over the past couple of weeks, the Thunder have managed to maintain their status atop the Western Conference. If they continue on this trajectory, it would mark their third consecutive season finishing as the No. 1 seed in the West.
All-Star Aspirations in the Air
As the calendar inches closer to mid-December, the NBA has opened its All-Star voting to fans, an integral part of the selection process that also includes votes from coaches and players. The Thunder have established themselves as a franchise with a reliable All-Star presence, primarily thanks to the evolution of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The talented guard has become a fixture in the All-Star lineup, having made three consecutive appearances, and is fresh off a stellar season that saw him earn All-NBA honors and contend for the MVP award.
Joining Gilgeous-Alexander in the All-Star conversation last season was Jalen Williams, the All-NBA swingman who made his inaugural All-Star appearance in February. Unfortunately, Williams has faced setbacks this season, having played only 13 games as he recovers from offseason wrist surgery. Given his limited playing time, his chances of securing another All-Star nod this year appear slim unless he can produce an extraordinary run in the coming weeks.
Chet Holmgren Emerges as a Star
With Williams sidelined, Chet Holmgren has stepped up to fill the offensive void and showcase his impressive skills. The Gonzaga product has played in 27 games this season, averaging 18.3 points, 7.9 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 2.0 stocks (combined steals and blocks) per game. His shooting statistics are equally noteworthy, with career-highs of 57% from the field, 39% from three-point range, and 79% from the free-throw line.
Holmgren’s efficiency has been striking, as he converts 78% of his attempts at the rim, maintains a career-best 51% in mid-range shooting, and hits non-corner threes at a commendable 40% clip. His overall performance has positioned him as a strong candidate for an All-Star selection, especially after a standout game against the Philadelphia 76ers, where he scored 29 points with exceptional efficiency.
If Holmgren continues to build on this momentum and the Thunder sustain their winning pace, the franchise may very well find itself represented by two All-Stars at this season’s mid-winter classic.
Gilgeous-Alexander and Holmgren in the All-Star Conversation
As the All-Star voting heats up, Gilgeous-Alexander is firmly in the mix, currently ranked fourth among fan votes behind heavyweights like Luka Doncic, Nikola Jokic, and Stephen Curry. Meanwhile, Holmgren has also made his mark, sitting at 19th in the fan voting, notably ahead of established stars like Kawhi Leonard. The presence of both players in the top 20 speaks volumes about the Thunder’s rising profile in the league.
With the Oklahoma City Thunder thriving and its core players making waves, the spotlight is firmly on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren as they aim for All-Star recognition this season. The trajectory of their success could redefine the franchise’s future and solidify their status as a formidable force in the NBA.
