Gilgeous-Alexander Reflects on Title Win and Focuses on Improvement

Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has found a unique way to motivate himself and his teammates as they aim for another championship title. Following a commanding 132-101 victory over the Sacramento Kings, Gilgeous-Alexander candidly shared his thoughts with reporters about last season's success and what it means for the current season.

“Honestly speaking, I didn’t like the way we won, if that makes sense,” he said. Gilgeous-Alexander felt that the Thunder did not perform at their best during the NBA Finals, considering it a significant learning experience. He is determined to apply that lesson this season, emphasizing the need for greater focus, discipline, assertiveness, and aggression to match their regular season prowess throughout the postseason.

Reflecting on Last Season’s Playoffs

The Thunder's title run was not without its controversies. A pivotal moment occurred when Tyrese Haliburton, the Indiana Pacers' standout player, suffered a torn right Achilles in Game 7 of the Finals after scoring nine points in seven minutes. Despite this setback, the Pacers led at halftime, 48-47, showcasing their resilience. However, Oklahoma City found their rhythm in the second half, outscoring Indiana 34-20 in the third quarter, ultimately winning 103-91.

During their playoff journey, Oklahoma City played two Game 7s, including a dominant 125-93 win over the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference semifinals. While there were some tense moments throughout the playoffs, the Thunder’s overall performance was marked by dominance, finishing with a +8.4 net rating, outstripping all other playoff teams.

Setting the Stage for Success in 2023-24

As they enter the 2023-24 season, the Thunder currently boast a stunning 9-1 start, driven by Gilgeous-Alexander, who is averaging 33.0 points per game while shooting 52.3% from the field—better than his MVP season last year. With a stellar +13.6 net rating—significantly higher than any other team—Oklahoma City looks focused and primed to contend for another championship. The only other team to approach this level of performance is the Denver Nuggets with a +12.2 net rating.

If Gilgeous-Alexander can harness his ambition and channel his dissatisfaction from the previous season’s playoff performance into this year, the rest of the NBA may find it challenging to compete against an invigorated Oklahoma City Thunder.