It was a surprise seeing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder dominate the Western Conference this season. They finished out of the playoffs last year but ranked first in the West by the end of the regular season. SGA has been a major reason why they continue to succeed in the playoffs going 2-0 against the New Orleans Pelicans.
“He’s too humble to say it, but this is the MVP right here” pic.twitter.com/Vh8v7eZXal
— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2024
After a dominant Game 2 in the first-round series, Chet Holmgren complimented SGA for leading the pack. While Shai was being interviewed, the rookie chimed in and said, “I got one more thing to say. He’s too humble to say it, but this is the MVP right here, the MVP of the league. I’mma say it for him because he won’t say it. That’s all I got.” The 2x NBA All-Star is a finalist for the MVP Award this season along with Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had the most humble response to Chet Holmgren’s comments
OKC had a 32-point victory over the Pelicans as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander erupted during the second half of the game. He finished with 33 points, shooting 3-3 from deep and 13-19 from the field overall. SGA’s offense is a major contributor that holds pieces together while Chet Holmgren and Luguentz Dort anchor the defensive aspect of the ball game. Shai also had a very humble response to Holmgren’s comments after the game.
He said, “I’m humble but cocky in my own way I’d say. I have a lot of confidence. Nah, I just don’t always exert it and show it. But I’m a very confident guy.” The MVP-caliber guard especially praised Dort’s contributions on defense, claiming the rest of OKC should also play their part while working under his leadership in that aspect. Dort finished with 15 points while holding off Brandon Ingram to 5-10 shooting and 18 points in 33 minutes.
Charles Barkley criticized Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and OKC’s ball movement in Game 2
The Thunder primarily run their offense through Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and in the first quarter of the game, he struggled to get up shots. For a good chunk of the first quarter, Shai remained scoreless until he made three shots after 9 minutes went by. NBA legend Charles Barkley believes OKC should’ve responded better by passing the ball rather than fixing SGA as the focal point of scoring.
“These NBA players are so dumb… When guys see a zone [defense] it’s like their brain locks up. Dude, move the ball. The ball moves faster than any human.”
Charles Barkley ripped into the Thunder’s zone offense after the 1st half 😂
(via @NBAonTNT) pic.twitter.com/rhXBnLa8l0
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) April 25, 2024
He said, “It drives me crazy when I’m watching it. The zone defense is the easiest defense in the world to play against. All you gotta do is move the ball. When guys see a zone, it’s like their brain locks up. Dude, move the ball. The ball moves faster than any human.” Barkley’s comment came right after the first quarter but OKC managed to make adjustments and get SGA better looks.