Shai Gilgeous-Alexander dazzles in Thunder’s decisive victory
In a game that epitomized the early November NBA landscape, the Oklahoma City Thunder (12-1) faced off against the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday night. Although the Thunder entered the contest with the best record in the league, they struggled to find their rhythm, exhibiting a lack of intensity and ball security in the first half. Despite shooting a respectable 41% from the field, including 10 made three-pointers, the Hornets could only manage a six-point lead at halftime, capitalizing on the Thunder’s 10 turnovers.
Halftime adjustments spark Thunder resurgence
Head Coach Mark Daigneault acknowledged his team’s slow start, noting, “We had a nice response out of halftime. We didn’t play our best game in the first half, and we course-corrected nicely and made some adjustments to what we were doing, and it was helpful in the third.” The adjustments paid off as the Thunder dominated the second half, clinching a 109-96 victory. The turning point came in the third quarter, where Oklahoma City outscored Charlotte 32-18, a surge largely fueled by the electric play of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s explosive performance
The superstar guard showcased his remarkable talent, scoring 15 points in the third quarter alone on just one missed shot, finishing the game with an impressive 33 points, four rebounds, seven assists, and two steals. His efficiency was staggering, as he shot 68% from the floor, hitting 3 of 4 attempts from three-point range and converting 4 of 5 free throws—all in just 30 minutes of playing time.
This marked the seventh time this season that Gilgeous-Alexander has scored 30 points in under 30 minutes. Remarkably, he spent the entire fourth quarter on the bench, as the Thunder comfortably protected a 22-point lead, sealing their 13th win of the year. This achievement ties last year’s mark, accomplished in only 14 games this season.
A superstar’s legacy in the making
The Thunder’s victory was not without its challenges, as the game featured 11 lead changes and 12 ties. Yet, Gilgeous-Alexander’s brilliance stood out as he continued his legendary run. Last season, he captured the scoring title and earned his first NBA championship, sweeping the MVP awards, including NBA MVP, Western Conference Finals MVP, and NBA Finals MVP. He averaged 32 points, five rebounds, six assists, and 2.7 stocks per game, with shooting splits of 51% from the field, 37% from three, and 89% from the free-throw line over 76 games.
This season, as the face of the franchise, he has maintained an impressive pace, posting averages of 32 points, five rebounds, six assists, and 2.3 stocks per game, while shooting 52% overall, 35% from beyond the arc, and 90% from the charity stripe—numbers that will only improve after his latest 33-point outing.
It’s become a common sight to see Gilgeous-Alexander sitting in his warm-ups with a towel draped over his shoulders and a broad smile after another stellar performance. However, this phenomenon should not be taken for granted. The Thunder superstar is currently on a special trajectory, cementing his legacy as an all-time great player, all while doing it in Oklahoma City. The basketball world is witnessing history in real-time, and the Thunder continue to ride the wave of their star’s remarkable achievements.
