Despite being traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder after his rookie year with the Clippers, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander‘s warm reception by Clippers fans during his return to LA is a testament to the impact he had during his short time with the team, and while appreciative of the support, SGA’s priority remains on helping the Thunder climb back into playoff contention this season.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 44 points on 16 shots without making single three… (90 TS%)
Superstar. pic.twitter.com/IIyq9geX1t
— Bradeaux (@BradeauxNBA) February 11, 2023
The Los Angeles Clippers secured a significant victory on Thursday night against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Crypto.com Arena. Despite the absence of Paul George, Kawhi Leonard stepped up with a vintage performance, leading the Clippers to a win and propelling them to the No. 5 spot in the Western Conference.
After the game, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander spoke to the media about his return to LA and the warm welcome he received from Clippers fans. As a former Clipper himself, Shai expressed his gratitude for the fans’ support.
“I can always feel the love when I come back, and it feels good,” said Gilgeous-Alexander. “Fans are what make this game a whole lot more fun. No matter where they’re from, I’m always going to be appreciative of them.”
Before his stint with the Thunder, Shai played his rookie year with the Clippers before being traded to Oklahoma City as part of the Paul George deal. Despite the short time he spent with the Clippers, it is evident that Shai still holds fond memories of his time there.
Only 3 players in Thunder history have recorded 40 or more 30+ point games in a season.
Kevin Durant
Russell Westbrook
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander pic.twitter.com/WcXINrcb3e— NBA History (@NBAHistory) March 22, 2023
While the warm welcome from Clippers fans was a nice moment for Shai, his focus remains on helping the Thunder reach their objectives this season. Unfortunately, Thursday’s loss pushed the Thunder out of the Play-In picture, falling to the 11th spot in the West and tying with the Dallas Mavericks, the Los Angeles Lakers, and the Minnesota Timberwolves.
“I’m not worried about anything except winning,” Gilgeous-Alexander stated. “We’re just trying to get as many wins as possible and give ourselves the best chance to make the playoffs.”
Despite their current position in the standings, Shai and the Thunder are determined to fight their way back into contention. As the season progresses, fans will undoubtedly witness SGA’s competitive spirit as he leads his team towards success..
The Magnificent Accolades of Shai Alexander: A Trailblazing Talent on the NBA Court and Beyond
Shai Alexander is a professional basketball player in the NBA who has garnered a lot of accolades for his skills on the court. He has been praised for his exceptional talent, work ethic, and leadership both on and off the court.
In his rookie year, Alexander was selected to participate in the Rising Stars Challenge during All-Star weekend, a showcase of the league’s top young talent. He was also named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team, solidifying his status as one of the league’s top newcomers.
Alexander has continued to impress in his subsequent seasons, earning his first All-Star selection in the 2022 season. He has also been praised for his community involvement, including his work with the Oklahoma City Thunder’s community outreach programs and his establishment of the Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Foundation, which supports education and other charitable initiatives.
