SGA has played like arguably the best scorer in the league since the All-Star break.
Since the All-Star break, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been putting up monster scoring numbers. In seven games, Gilgeous-Alexander has averaged 33.3 points on 57.1 percent shooting including 42.9 percent shooting from three on four attempts per game, 7.7 assists and 6.3 rebounds.
Gilgeous-Alexander has scored at least 29 points in his last seven games and 10 of his last 11 games.
In terms of scoring, Gilgeous-Alexander leads the entire league in total points scored since the All-Star break at 233 points. Now while seven games is still a small sample, it is nothing to sneeze at as the 23-year-old guard has been phenomenal since returning from an ankle sprain.
What makes this feat even more impressive is the fact that he is doing it with mostly G League talent surrounding him, making it that much easier for the opposition to focus all of their defensive attention on Gilgeous-Alexander. Despite all that, he continues to enjoy the best stretch of his career.
It’s unwise to assume Gilgeous-Alexander will continue to average over 33 points on 65.7 true shooting percentage for the remainder of the season, but if he can continue to play around this level of scoring — more or less — then the Thunder should be very excited as to how good of a player Gilgeous-Alexander might mature into, especially when surrounded by better talent.
Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault revealed that Mike Muscala will be out until at least through the ASB with an ankle injury.
Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault revealed before Monday’s game against the Golden State Warriors that Mike Muscala will be out until at least the All-Star Break due to a right ankle injury.
Muscala last played on Friday in a win against the Portland Trail Blazers. The 30-year-old has previously noted that this is a nagging ankle injury that will probably require offseason surgery to address.
This news throws a wrench in the Thunder’s trade deadline plans when it comes to Muscala being potentially moved. The nine-year veteran has garnered trade interest due to scoring eight points per game on just 14 minutes a night while shooting a career-high 42.9 percent from three. Muscala’s salary this season is also just 3.5 million with a team option for next season at the same price.
But with the trade deadline being this Thursday, potentially interested teams might no longer want Muscala due to the uncertainty surrounding this ankle injury along with the fact of not knowing how his offseason surgery will impact his next season when deciding whether or not to pick up his option.
If Muscala stays with the team past the deadline, I expect them to take it slow with this ankle injury and not rush his return.
The Thunder will be without its best player for at least the next 10 games as he recovers from an ankle sprain.
The Oklahoma City Thunder announced on Saturday that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will be re-evaluated after the All-Star Break as he deals with a right ankle sprain he suffered in Friday’s loss to the Indiana Pacers.
The All-Star Game is on Feb. 20, which means Gilgeous-Alexander will miss at least the next 10 games for the Thunder. The 14-34 Thunder are 0-5 and have averaged just 93.4 points in games without Gilgeous-Alexander this season.
This news is not all that surprising considering just how hobbled Gilgeous-Alexander was as he checked out of the game and hurried into the tunnel to get his ankle checked out. The Suave Report’s Addam Francisco reported after the game that Gilgeous-Alexander was in a boot and crutches.
It’ll be interesting to see who takes advantage of the touches Gilgeous-Alexader usually gets as the number one option on the offense. My guess is that Josh Giddey and Lu Dort will have a heavier load and responsibilities.
The Utah Jazz showed why they are the best team in the league by demolishing the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday.
The Utah Jazz showed their form once again as the best team in the NBA as they dismantled the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night, 114-89. Utah was excellent in applying their offensive attack all night long as they were 22 of 48 from the 3-point line and also made life difficult for the Lakers both on the perimeter and at the rim.
At the rim, the dominance of Rudy Gobert was inescapable for the Lakers. Gobert finished with 18 points, nine rebounds, and one block, deterring Lakers drives all night long and closing off avenues to easy 3-pointers as a result. The Lakers continued to struggle from the outside, as they have for the past few weeks, going a measly 8 for 33 from the 3-point line.
LeBron James had 19 points, four rebounds, and four assists in the loss for the Lakers. Montrezl Harrell pitched in 16 points off the bench. The Lakers will go back home to face the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday.
While his teammates were in Chicago for the All-Star game or spending time with their families, Steven Adams enjoyed “training his dog”.
One thing is for certain. When interviewing Steven Adams, you’re never quite sure what you’re going to get.
Like the time where he used profanity to describe his fear of being at the free-throw line in a clutch situation.
Or when he said the next time he’s going to wear a custom suit will be “at his funeral”.
Adams’ blunt style combined with sarcastic wit and his colloquial “mate” makes him one of the more entertaining interviews on the team.
Oklahoma City’s media session at practice on Thursday was no exception.
Thunder reporter Nick Gallo asked Adams what his favorite part of being off for the All-Star break was. Without missing a beat, Adams replied, “I think training my dog, mate”.
Who doesn’t love some quality time with their dog?
The week off also likely helped Adams get fully healthy for the final push of the regular season after dealing with knee and ankle injuries towards the end of January.
In his last 10 games prior to the All-Star break, Adams was averaging just 8.0 points per game 7.4 rebounds, down from his season averages of 10.7 points and 9.3 rebounds per contest.
Oklahoma City will hope to have him back to form on Friday night when they host the Nuggets. In their only game against Denver this season, Adams went for a double-double, scoring 18 points and grabbing 14 rebounds in a 110-102 loss on Dec. 14.
Adams was also seen at practice on Thursday working on his half-court heaves.
Man, time flies. The NBA playoffs are right around the corner — we’re literally just 60 days away. But it still feels like we know absolutely NOTHING about the league right now.
For example, do we know for certain which teams are strong enough to squeak into the playoffs as the 8th seed? Will the Rockets ever sign another center? Will Ben Simmons take another three? We don’t know.
There are so many questions just waiting to be answered in the final third of the season before we get to April. We’ve got a bunch of them right here for you.
Here are the burning questions we need answered as a basketball viewing public, with teams listed in order of their current standing in each conference.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
1. How are you supposed to stop the Bucks?
Well, their defense is pretty much an impenetrable wall and their best player is a flying death machine, by himself, who is having one of the best regular seasons ever.
So, basically, ¯_(ツ)_/¯
2. Can the Raptors actually repeat?
Maybe! Last year at the All-Star break they were 43-16. This year, they’re 40-15 – so they aren’t far off. Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet have gotten even better an Kyle Lowry is still doing Kyle Lowry things. They’re a threat still.
3. Did Jayson Tatum finally make “The Leap” and how does that change things?
The 2019 edition of Jayson Tatum was bad. He shot the ball poorly and couldn’t finish layups. Since that calendar hit 2020, though? Dude has been balling. He’s shooting 47% from the floor and 40% from three while giving us all world defense.
If they get this Tatum the rest of the way? The best team in the West might be booking trips to Boston come June.
4. What is the Heat’s ceiling?
Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo are incredible. But still, they’re playing with a bunch of dudes who are punching above their collective weight. Maybe they’re that good, maybe they’re not. We’ll know by April.
Bill Streicher/USA TODAY Sports
5. Can this sixers roster work as a unit?
The Sixers are the living embodiment of the term “on paper.” Their collection of talent should be able to beat anyone, but it turns out they can’t beat anyone — especially on the road. Can they solve that problem? We’ll see.
6. What can the Pacers get from Victor Oladipo?
Oladipo has been hit-and-miss in seven games back with the Pacers, but it’s only been seven games. If he improves, the Pacers are dangerous.
7. The Nets should probably start tanking, right?
One would think! Kyrie Irving is hurt again, they’re three games under .500, they’re the 7th seed right now. But who am I kidding? They’re totally getting swept by the Raptors in the first round while Kyrie takes 56 shots per game.
8. Uhhhh, the Magic?
I have no idea what they’re doing or where they’re headed. But Markelle Fultz seems good – so that’s great!
9. To Beal or not to Beal? That is the question.
It’s going to be so fun when the Wizards miss the playoffs by half a game this year and Bradley Beal finally demands his trade. SO FUN.
Sidebar: Never be a Wizards fan, folks. It’s unhealthy.
10. Is Zach LaVine worth going all in on?
Zach LaVine has legitimately turned into one of the league’s most polarizing players.
He’s one of the best scorers in the NBA… but he’s also a matador on defense. He’s just 24 years old… and is still turnover machine. See what I’m getting at? No idea what his future holds with the Bulls or elsewhere.
11. Is Devonte’ Graham a building block?
That game says yes. The Hornets might think otherwise, though. We’ll see.
12. Who is going to coach the Knicks next year?
Mike Miller has the Knicks at 13-20 in 33 games as their interim head coach and seems to be making a breakthrough with the young guys on the team… so we definitely know he’s out the door next season, right?
Trae Young, Clint Capela and John Collins are very good-to-great offensive pieces. It still feels like they need one more piece to make some noise next year, though.
15. How fast can they get beilein out of there?
This is how I like to imagine the conversation between Dan Gilbert and John Beilein going.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
1. Can the Lakers win a title with what they have?
They’d better because, uh, this is it, y’all. The trade deadline has passed, Darren Collison isn’t coming through and the buyout market is, well, not great.
Let’s be honest, though. This team is still pretty great. Also, we’ve seen LeBron James drag way worse into June before. They’ll be fine.
2. Can the Nuggets actually get to the Finals?
It’s definitely possible. Nikola Jokic has been the absolute best center in the NBA this season and the Nuggets have been pretty impressive against tough competition. It’s a tough road, but don’t count them out.
Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
3. When will the Clippers actually be healthy?
The correct answer is probably not this regular season, but the Clippers are definitely hoping things are fine by May. Paul George is out now with a strained hamstring and that kept him out for nine straight games in January. He might not be good again until mid-March.
4. Can the Jazz get Grizzlies-ERA Mike Conley?
Conley is the difference between the Jazz being an elite team and a second-round out. They did a chunk of their winning while he was out of the lineup with a hamstring injury, but for them to have the offensive versatility they’ve lacked in the last couple of postseasons, they need him to deliver vintage performances.
5. Will the small ball Rockets actually work?
They’re 5-2 with P.J. Tucker starting at center and look pretty good. But, man, it’s hard to imagine Tucker or Robert Covington or whoever else guarding Nikola Jokic or Anthony Davis over a seven-game series.
6. What is the Thunder’s ceiling?
Chris Paul has been absolutely incredible this year and their three guard lineups with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Paul and Dennis Schröder have been killer. But Paul is 36 years old and this team isn’t lasting forever.
7. Can Luka Doncic Cause Playoff Chaos?
Only one player in the history of the NBA has averaged at least 28 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists per game. It’s Luka. 2-seeds beware. The Mavericks are going to be a beast.
8. The Grizzlies Are going to be scary next season, Right?
Ja Morant at point. Dillon Brooks taking your best player out of the game. Jaren Jackson protecting the rim and shooting threes. The best is very clearly still ahead of this team, but they’re also amazing to watch right now.
9. How long is Damian Lillard out for?
Lillard strained his groin just before the All-Star break, which stinks. The Blazers obviously caught a huge break with virtually no basketball being played this week, but if he has to miss extended time? They’re cooked.
10. The Spurs’ playoff streak is really going to die, isn’t it?
Man. This is really looking like the end of an era. They’re not out of it, but they’re five games behind the Grizzlies and in the 10th spot. Pop can’t go out like this, man.
11. How hard does Zion have to snap to win rookie of the year?
If we had to vote today it’d easily be Ja Morant. As great as Zion Williamson has been in 10 games, it’s still only 10 games. When he hits, say, 30? And he’s still averaging 22.1 points per game? That’s when we’ll at least have a conversation.
12. Why aren’t the Suns better?
Poor Devin Booker. At the start of the season it looked like the Suns were a legit playoff squad. Now? It’s probably time to build your draft board, Suns’ fans.
13. IS Buddy Hield gone?
The beef brewing between Buddy Hield and the Kings organization is just so Kings. First, they overpaid Hield. Then they benched him. Now, he wants out. There is absolutely no way this ends well.
14. What do the Wolves have to do to get Devin Booker?
D’Angelo Russell was the first piece. Karl-Anthony Towns was already in place. All that’s left? D Book. The littlest big 3 is almost intact.
Booker is already being asked about it.
15. The Warriors are really going to get the #1 pick, aren’t they?
Oklahoma City lost back-to-back games in nearly a month when the fell to the Celtics on Sunday followed by a loss to the Spurs on Tuesday.
Should two consecutive losses be a cause for concern?
The Thunder dropped the final game of their homestand on Tuesday night, falling 114-106 to the San Antonio Spurs. Coupled with their 112-111 loss to the Boston Celtics on Sunday afternoon, it was the first time in nearly a month that OKC had lost back-to-back games.
But its not so much the fact that the Thunder lost as it is the way in which they lost that concerns Berry Tramel of The Oklahoman.
Tramel points out that even with two wins to start the four-game homestand, OKC pulled out “narrow victories over hapless Cleveland and Detroit”.
After playing a grueling schedule of 17 games in 30 days, Oklahoma City had a couple of days off at the beginning of last week prior to the start of their recent homestand.
Billy Donovan told The Oklahoman that while the time away might have helped the Thunder heal up, it also may have negatively impacted their groove.
“I think maybe from a rest standpoint it helped, but maybe from a rhythm standpoint, it didn’t help,” Billy Donovan said. “I felt like we didn’t play to a level we had been capable of playing to. A lot of teams over 82 games have these ebbs and flows. It’s not going to be smooth sailing.”
The Spurs’ win on Tuesday snapped a five-game losing skid for San Antonio. Not exactly a great look for Oklahoma City considering the Spurs were also playing without DeMar DeRozan.
While Chris Paul was exceptional, scoring a game-high 31, the rest of OKC’s go-to guys weren’t at their best. As noted by Tramel, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Schroder and Gallinari combined for 46 points, 12.1 below their collective season average”.
Oklahoma City has one more game before the All-Star break. They’ll play at New Orleans on Thursday night.
They’ll have a full week off before hosting Denver on Friday, Feb. 21. Hopefully this time, the time off will help them regroup.
