The Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder had been using excessive, wanting each bit like a workforce prepared to regulate the Western Convention. Then Shai Gilgeous-Alexander went down. At first look, it appeared like a short-term setback.
In actuality, his damage might have shifted all the playoff race. The Thunder’s latest losses with out their MVP candidate have allowed the San Antonio Spurs to creep inside two video games of them. Permitting the Spurs‘ house benefit could be a big blow.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s absence exposes Thunder weaknesses
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander isn’t simply the Thunder’s main scorer. He’s their offensive engine and late-game stabilizer. Every little thing flows by way of him. His skill to break down defenses, stay on the free-throw line, and management tempo has masked cracks that are actually not possible to disregard.
With out him, the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder have struggled to generate environment friendly half-court offense. The ball sticks, spacing shrinks, and execution in clutch moments has dipped noticeably.
Opponents are now not pressured into fixed rotations. They’ll keep house on shooters and crowd secondary creators. That shift has translated instantly into losses. The Thunder don’t simply miss his scoring. They miss his hierarchy.
It additionally underscores what actually separates Shai Gilgeous-Alexander from even the Thunder’s different leaders. Whereas Jalen Williams continues to develop right into a secondary star, it’s Shai who gives the humility and glue-like presence that retains every little thing related.
He units the tone with out ego, balances shot distribution, and ensures roles stay clear
The Spurs‘ stress grows as Western playoff image tightens
The Golden State Warriors’ 2017 and 2018 championship runs had been the final back-to-back; since then, no different workforce has achieved that feat. Statistically talking, that is extraordinarily difficult, and virtually all must work out completely for the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder this season to succeed in that elite standing.
There is no such thing as a agency replace on when SGA will return—that is removed from excellent. In the meantime, the Spurs are simply ready for his or her second to take over first place. The Spurs additionally lead the season sequence in opposition to the Thunder – they received the sequence in dominating vogue.
Whereas Oklahoma Metropolis searches for solutions, the Victor Wembanyama-led San Antonio Spurs have actually made a tough playoff push and play virtually with out errors. They beat robust playoff groups just like the Detroit Pistons with routine, and as for now, they appear like a high 3 title contender.
Their solely flaw is their lack of expertise at this level—that is manageable in the event that they win by greater margins. If the Thunder slide even just a few spots, their playoff path modifications dramatically.
As an alternative of controlling matchups, they could possibly be looking at a much more harmful first-round opponent. Even when Gilgeous-Alexander returns quickly, rhythm isn’t computerized. Chemistry takes time, particularly when rotations have been reshuffled.
