Why the Thunder’s Season Rests on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Shoulders Again
Wins amid injury problems
Oklahoma City has dealt with a wave of injuries early in the season, affecting the team’s overall performance. The Thunder have nevertheless put together consecutive wins, most recently beating Cleveland 124-116 on Wednesday night.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been central to that response. The reigning back-to-back Most Valuable Player has scored more than 40 points in each of his last two games and is averaging over 30 per game this season.
Support remains uneven
The Thunder would benefit from teammates contributing more consistently so Gilgeous-Alexander does not have to produce 40 points to help secure wins. In an earlier loss to Houston, he scored 26, while no Thunder teammate reached 12 points.
Ajay Mitchell has been a source of help, averaging close to 18 points per game. But the team’s contributions have been affected by the absences of Williams, Wallace and Holmgren.
A long road to full strength
Holmgren is expected to return later in the season, but Williams and Wallace are projected to miss most of it. Oklahoma City therefore may remain short-handed even after Holmgren is back.
Injuries also limited the Thunder in last year’s Western Conference Finals. Gilgeous-Alexander has shown he can take over games, but the team will need contributions beyond its star as it tries to compete through the rest of the season.
Key points
- Oklahoma City has won two games in a row despite early-season injuries.
- Gilgeous-Alexander has scored over 40 points in each of his past two games.
- Mitchell is averaging nearly 18 points per game as Williams, Wallace and Holmgren are absent.
- Holmgren is expected back later; Williams and Wallace are projected to miss most of the season.