SGA ‘was really on one’ in OKC’s wire-to-wire rout
The box score provided what might’ve been Friday night’s biggest thrill.
Three more rebounds. Two more blocks.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had already done it all in the Thunder’s 126-106 win over the Hornets at Paycom Center. But eyes were peeled wider to see if he’d really do it all.
By halftime, he was flirting with a five-by-five game: 18 points (8 for 9), seven assists, five steals, three blocks — two of which came on jump shooters — and two rebounds.
It never came. Jaylin Williams snagged far too many rebounds from his vicinity. And none of the Hornets, who’d otherwise offered up every play or bucket or defensive stop, never put themselves in position to be swatted by him again. He finished with 31 points, nine assists, and added just one more board.
Still, none of it was surprising. Gilgeous-Alexander’s pace was predictable. His strolls to the rim were expected. His navigation in passing lanes is no secret.
It didn’t make anything he did Friday less thrilling, or less inevitable.
“The steals has been an ongoing thing, the blocks has been an ongoing thing but his defense has improved every single year he’s been in the NBA,” OKC coach Mark Daigneault said. “And the offensive end, I thought, he was really on one tonight.
“He had as good of a blend of his play and plays for other guys as he’s had all season.”
Telegraphing passes, ripping ball handlers clean, finessing his way down the lane, manipulating the defense to open up the dump pass. It’s a formula that’s produced early MVP chants and a constant statline that wouldn’t require Las Vegas to guess.
After shooting 69.2% through a half, holding the Hornets to 37.8% in the same span and shooting 72.7% in the paint at the end of the night, there were parts of OKC’s brutal beating that reeked of boredom.
Less lively halfcourt production in the third, forfeiting 30 points in the same quarter to a Charlotte squad whose head coach essentially said it lacked talent this past week. Even then, the Thunder got almost anything it wanted in a game that felt out of reach by halftime.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s all-around presence was the only heartbeat Friday’s game needed.
Jaylin Williams makes his mark
Jaylin Williams made a name as a niche, situational big man. The king of charges, a physical presence when the Thunder needs a second big.
His presence isn’t as heavy — or necessary — in every game. Bigger teams call his name. A month like January did, too. But beyond the tight slot he’s had to fit in, he’s done his part in recent weeks.
He’s shifted from drawing offensive fouls to being disruptive in transition and at the rim. He’s popped or simply given Gilgeous-Alexander a nearby outside threat when he’s doubled. In the seven games preceding Friday, he shot 38.5% on 1.9 3-point attempts per game.
Against the Hornets, he had seven points, eight rebounds and yet another block.
“Always for me, it’s just been doing the things that get me on the court,” Williams said. “Regardless of what it is. If it’s taking charges or just turning the basketball, I’ve always been willing to do those things.”
Fans have pleaded for Sam Presti to acquire a backup big man to relieve Chet Holmgren. Or a forward to play alongside him. Something, anything. Even another situational big man along the same mold as Williams.
But the second-year big has slowly pushed back on that, delivering a few weeks worth acknowledging.
Mark Daigneault for All-Star?
Despite Gilgeous-Alexander being named an All-Star starter, three Thunder players being elected to the Rising Stars game and OKC being in limbo for the West’s seed after a monstrous month, one necessary question has remained unanswered.
What would this world look like if Daigneault is forced to coach the Western Conference All-Stars?
Would he play Shai Gilgeous-Alexander an entire first quarter? Would he argue more calls for Anthony Edwards? Would he technically enter the game with a zero-zero mentality?
What’s the path for him to be named the West’s coach?
It’s not as simple as owning the No. 1 seed.
With the Thunder and Timberwolves both holding a 34-15 record going into Sunday, the final day before the cutoff, there are several deciding scenarios.
Minnesota’s Chris Finch could clinch the spot with a win. Oklahoma City could clinch with a win over the Raptors Sunday and a Minnesota loss. The Clippers have a shot so long as they win and see both Minnesota and OKC lose.
The Thunder clarified Friday that the tiebreakers are head-to-head record, then conference record.
Seemingly not one for the flamboyance and red carpets that come with AllStar weekend, it’s difficult to imagine Daigneault has planned his February around it. He might need to make some changes come Sunday.
“First of all, there’s no guarantee that’s going to happen,” Daigneault said. “I would never snub my nose at that. I also love the All-Star break and time with my family, so it’s win-win.”