The Oklahoma City Thunder made a statement in Washington, thoroughly dismantling the Wizards in a game that was over almost as soon as it began. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined an exclusive club, reaching the 10,000-point milestone in his career. While this achievement is impressive, it’s worth noting that not all of these points came in a Thunder uniform.
The Thunder’s performance was so dominant that it left little room for overreaction. The box score reflects a team firing on all cylinders, with seven players reaching double-digit scoring. Aaron Wiggins stood out with a season-high 23 points, though much of his production came after the game was already decided.
SGA’s Milestone and Future with OKC
Gilgeous-Alexander’s 10,000th point is a significant achievement, especially considering he was the 11th pick in his draft class. Of those 10,000 points, 9,111 have come with the Thunder, putting him on track to join Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant in OKC’s 10,000-point club.
The future looks bright for SGA and the Thunder. His recent comments about loving Oklahoma City and not imagining being anywhere else speak volumes about his commitment to the team. With the upcoming supermax contract and a roster built for sustainable success, there’s a strong possibility that Gilgeous-Alexander could surpass both Durant and Westbrook in the Thunder’s record books.
Chet Holmgren’s Impending Return
As we approach the trade deadline, it’s crucial to remember that the Thunder will be integrating their second-best player, Chet Holmgren, back into the lineup. This addition, potentially around the All-Star break, will be more impactful than any trade deadline acquisition.
Holmgren’s return presents both opportunities and challenges. He’s never played with Isaiah Hartenstein, and his integration will require adjustments to the team’s rotations and lineups. However, this process is a necessary step in the Thunder’s evolution as a title contender.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Thunder’s dominant performance and future prospects, tune into the Locked On Thunder podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Thunder Podcast:
• Cason Wallace’s improved three-point shooting and potential as a starter
• The importance of team chemistry and cohesion in the Thunder’s success
• Potential trade deadline moves and why standing pat might be the best option
