We’re 51 games into the season, as the Oklahoma City Thunder are 42-9 through sixteen weeks of action. The Thunder currently hold a 7.5-game lead over the No.2 seed, the Memphis Grizzlies, for the top spot in the West.

Here’s my Week 16 — Thunder Player of the Week: 

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder to another undefeated week, finishing (4-0),

In four games this week, SGA averaged 35.2 points, 6.2 assists, and 3.7 rebounds while only playing 29 minutes. SGA shot 53.4 percent from the floor, 42.8 percent from beyond the arc, and 88.8 percent from the free throw line. 

This is while only playing in two 4th quarters this week. 

SGA Is Having One Of The Best Guard Seasons In The Modern Era

51 games into the season, SGA is averaging — 32.7 points, six assists, 5.1 rebounds, 1.9 steals, and 1 block per game, with 52/35/90 shooting splits. 

While having the highest plus-minus in the NBA, +658. Nikola Jokic is 2nd, at +443. The gap between 1st and 2nd is bigger than the gap between 2nd and 30th.

SGA is having one of the best all-around guard seasons in the modern era.

Since Michael Jordan, SGA has been the only guard to average 30 points, 5 assists, and 5 rebounds on 50% plus from the floor.

SGA is on pace to have his third straight season with 30 PPG on 50% FG. Michael Jordan is the only guard in NBA history to have more such seasons.

Shai Gilegeous-Alexander’s Mindset On His Continuous Growth

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on his third 50-point night in a 7-game stretch:

“I feel like I’m getting better. Most importantly, skill wise, mentality wise. Sharpening my blade, sharpening my tools, so whether they go in or not, just making sure that I’m getting better is the most important thing.”

Takeaways — Streaking Into All-Star Break

OKC had another dominant week, going undefeated for the 4th time this season, going 4-0.

Wins: vs Milwaukee Bucks (125 to 96), vs Phoenix Suns (140 to 109), vs Toronto Raptors (121 to 109), @ Memphis Grizzlies (125 to 112).

End Of My Thunder Rant

Chet Holmgren returned, playing for the first time since Nov.10th versus the Toronto Raptors.

Holmgren put up 4 points, 5 rebounds, 4 blocks, 2 steals, and 1 assist in 22 minutes of action. It’s good to see him back in action. Cason Wallace (shoulder strain) missed the week and is expected to be out through the All-Star break.

As the Thunder head into the final week before the All-Star break, they’re on a 5-game winning streak. With 3-games remaining before the All-Star break, the Thunder are looking to go into the break on a good note.