“I Feel Good…Not Where I Want to be”: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Reveals He is Still Catching Up After Missing Pre-Season Due to Injury
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander participated in the Oklahoma City Thunder’s first regular-season game after sitting out all the team’s preseason contests. He performed as predicted. On 12-of-23 shooting, he finished with 32 points, six rebounds, and five assists. He played really well for a guy who missed the preseason. He hasn’t scored over 30 points since he did, but in 15 of his past 23 games, he’s been close. As the Thunder’s season progresses, scoring will be Gilgeous-primary Alexander’s responsibility.
The Nuggets defeated the Thunder 122-117 on Saturday night, a team that has a penchant for playing the Nuggets tight. Nikola Jokic pulled off the correct moves at the right moments.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander opens up on his form after coming back from injury
Gilgeous-Alexander once again excelled, scoring 28 points and dishing out seven assists. After missing the majority of training camp and all six of the Thunder’s preseason games due to an MCL injury, SGA is averaging 30 points per game.
“I feel good physically,” he said. “I’m not where I want to be.”
"I'm not where I want to be right now," noting that he's still catching up on his touch and timing.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on how he’s feeling after missing the entire preseason and most of training camp
SGA is averaging 30, 6, and 5 through 2 GP
(via @joe_mussatto) pic.twitter.com/6ULrDhFxl4
— . (@WBallCentral) October 23, 2022
The Thunder will benefit from this, but everyone who must remain in front of him will suffer. Since Gilgeous-Alexander is playing with a much deeper roster, there is a strong chance that he will bring the “too good to tank” attitude into this season. As a result, the probability of this team’s potential increases.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s averages through 2 games:
30.0 PPG
6.0 APG
4.5 RPGStarting the All-Star Campaign early. pic.twitter.com/S3mV73Rucu
— Thunder Muse (@ThunderMuse_) October 23, 2022
We shouldn’t overreact to a few games, of course, but the 6-foot-6 guard has been playing like a near-superstar for the past 20 or so games. It’s difficult to imagine Gilgeous-Alexander and the improved sophomores finishing the season as a bottom-five club if the Thunder are going to acquire him on a regular basis this season.
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