This Shai Gilgeous-Alexander stat shows Thunder can very well repeat as NBA champs originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
While Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is helping the Oklahoma City Thunder put the locks on the Phoenix Suns series, it's time to take note of how good he has been when it matters the most.
Gilgeous-Alexander is in the middle of something special. He aims to help the Thunder repeat as champions and mark the start of a dynasty. The last time a team repeated as champions in the NBA was the 2017, 2018 Golden State Warriors.
During the run of play in the fourth quarter of Game 4 between the Thunder and the Suns, a stat showed why teams need to be wary of the NBA MVP finalist.
Since March 21, SGA has missed only one field goal in the fourth quarter and overtime. During this time, he has scored 62 points while converting 29 of 33 free throws. These are Michael Jordan-esque stats, and why we believe there's no stopping the Thunder from repeating as NBA champions.
Since March 21, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has missed just ONE of 17 field goals in the 4th quarter and OT... 😳 #NBAPlayoffspic.twitter.com/Uher0n3gN6
More: Chet Holmgren reveals why it is easy to play for the Thunder with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
The ongoing NBA playoffs landscape is pretty different.
When it comes to the Eastern Conference, teams like the Boston Celtics stand out due to their star power, including Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, coupled with explosive Payton Pritchard from the wings.
The New York Knicks and the Atlanta Hawks are playing a tidy series, but they may not stand out as the best challenger from the East. The Detroit Pistons topped the regular season standings but are playing lackluster in their series against the Orlando Magic.
On the other hand, the Western Conference has no shortage of star power. LeBron James has been playing like an MVP and the Houston Rockets are hanging by a thread. With Luka Doncic returning soon, they will be a force to be reckoned with. Then, there are the San Antonio Spurs, led by NBA Defensive Player of the Year and MVP finalist Victor Wembanyama.
The Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors are battling out with the series alive 2-2. After losing Anthony Edwards, Nikola Jokic's Denver Nuggets are expected to dine on the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The Lakers and the Nuggets could be SGA's biggest challenge coming out of the Western and then in the potential NBA finals, he will have to play the Celtics or any other surprising team from the East.
Devin Booker admits that he is struggling against the defending champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder
Holmgren said about SGA's unique impact on the Thunder.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander loves what he has seen from Chet Holmgren
Jason Williams makes unsavory claims against Luka Doncic and Victor Wembanyama