We’re officially at the halfway point of the season, as the Oklahoma City Thunder are 35-7 through thirteen weeks of action. The Thunder currently hold a 6.5-game lead over the No.2 seed, the Houston Rockets, for the top spot in the West.
No matter who’s out, the Thunder continue to accumulate wins. This group’s response and perseverance through adversity are why they’re in the midst of a special season.
Here’s my Week 13 — Thunder Player of the Week:
Despite missing Friday night’s game against the Dallas Mavericks, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder to another strong week, finishing (3-1), and putting up multiple big-time performances. This includes another 40-point performance in primetime versus the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Throughout Week 13: SGA averaged 33 points, nine assists, three rebounds, and 2.6 steals while shooting 67.2 percent from the floor, 33 percent from beyond the arc, and 95.6 percent from the free throw line.
This is while only playing in one 4th quarter this week.
Despite dealing with a multitude of injuries to key players for long stretches of the season, the Thunder remain No.1 in the West and have the second-best record in the NBA, at 35-7.
The main driving force behind their historic start is the face of the franchise, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
SGA has elevated his game in his last 31 games since Chet Holmgren’s injury and has performed as the MVP favorite.
Averaging 33.2 points, six assists, 5.1 rebounds, 2.3 steals, and 1.1 blocks while shooting 53.4 percent from the floor, 37.5 percent from beyond the arc, 90.3 percent from the free throw line, and having a plus-minus +442 (most during span).
The play of SGA has directly resulted in them thriving, as the Thunder are 27-5 since Holmgren’s injury.
Through the first half of the season, SGA is averaging — 31.5 points, 6.1 assists, 5.3 rebounds, 2.1 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game, with 53/35/90 shooting splits. 42 games into the season, Shai Gigeous-Alexander is the MVP.
Here’s a compilation of his teammates and opponents who have high praise and give SGA the ultimate sign of respect.
The level of admiration and credit received from his peers showcases how far SGA has come since entering the league.
Here’s a moment from the Thunder’s rebuilding year. SGA shows his maturity by — preaching patience & having belief in his team & placing his trust in the Thunder’s process.
“I know what I signed up for when I signed a 5-year extension… and I don’t think we’re gonna be losing for much longer.” “I believe in this team.”
The Thunder have the 4th-best win percentage in the league since that interview, 132-74 (64%).
Here’s more from SGA on OKC’s ascension:
“As a team, I’m probably more excited about that feeling. As the leading scorer, leader of the team, I’m gonna get most of the praise, but the world is seeing- we call them cockroaches in our locker room, the cockroaches and hyenas that do the little work.”
OKC made a statement with some incredibly impressive wins this week, under the circumstances, going 3-1. They won against the Philadelphia 76ers, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Brooklyn Nets. The lone loss of the week was to the Dallas Mavericks, in which — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Isaiah Hartenstein did not play.
Alex Caruso returned to action after missing ten games due to a (left hip strain). Isaiah Hartenstein sustained a (left soleus strain) on Tuesday night against Philadelphia. He’s set to be re-evaluated approximately one week after he sustained his injury.
Huge Thunder Injury Update: Chet Holmgren is continuing to progress in his return-to-play protocol and will be re-evaluated in approximately three to five weeks.
The Thunder are continuing to find ways to win despite the amount of injuries they’re dealing with, which is scary for the rest of the league.
If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to our newsletter here. Check out Stadium Rant Original shows on our Youtube channel and subscribe! Give our socials Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok a follow for more great content!
