What's happened
NBA star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Oklahoma City Thunder to two double-overtime victories this week, including a dramatic win over the Pacers and a close game against the Rockets. His performances highlight his importance to the team amid a busy start to the season.
What's behind the headline?
Gilgeous-Alexander's recent performances underscore his role as a pivotal player for the Thunder, especially in high-pressure moments. His ability to draw fouls and hit crucial free throws has been decisive in close games. The week’s results reveal a team that relies heavily on his scoring and leadership, which will likely continue to define their season. The missed call in the game against Houston, where Durant appeared to signal for a timeout that was not granted, highlights the ongoing challenges of officiating in tight contests. Despite this, Gilgeous-Alexander's clutch plays and resilience suggest he will remain a dominant force, and the Thunder's early success sets a promising tone for their season. The team's defensive grit and Gilgeous-Alexander's scoring prowess will be key factors in their ability to contend for playoff positions.
What the papers say
South China Morning Post reports on Gilgeous-Alexander's heroics in two double-overtime games, emphasizing his scoring and leadership. The NY Post highlights a controversial missed call involving Kevin Durant that could have ended the game earlier, but ultimately, Gilgeous-Alexander sealed the victory with clutch free throws. Both sources underscore his importance to the Thunder's early season success, with the SCMP focusing on his individual achievements and the NY Post on game officiating and drama. The contrasting perspectives reveal a narrative of resilience and controversy, with Gilgeous-Alexander emerging as the central figure in Oklahoma City's promising start.
How we got here
The NBA season began with Oklahoma City Thunder making history by playing double overtime in their first two games. Gilgeous-Alexander, last season's top scorer and reigning MVP, has been central to their success, with standout performances including multiple 50-point games. The team also celebrated their championship victory with rings, adding to the season's significance.
Go deeper
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Shaivonte Aician Gilgeous-Alexander is a Canadian professional basketball player for the Oklahoma City Thunder of the National Basketball Association. He played college basketball for the Kentucky Wildcats.
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The Oklahoma City Thunder are an American professional basketball team based in Oklahoma City. The Thunder compete in the National Basketball Association as a member of the league's Western Conference Northwest Division.
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The Houston Rockets are an American professional basketball team based in Houston. The Rockets compete in the National Basketball Association as a member team of the league's Western Conference Southwest Division.
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Kevin Wayne Durant is an American professional basketball player for the Brooklyn Nets of the National Basketball Association. He played one season of college basketball for the University of Texas, and was selected as the second overall pick by the Seatt