With a commanding 128-104 victory over the Atlanta Hawks, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/oklahoma-city-thunder">Oklahoma City Thunder</a> joined the ranks of four teams to open the 2024-25 NBA season with a perfect 3-0 record. Despite the growing excitement surrounding the Thunder, point guard <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/shai-Gilgeous-Alexander">Shai Gilgeous-Alexander</a> had a grounded message for fans and analysts alike.


 

 


As a leading face of the Thunder’s impressive early run, Gilgeous-Alexander has helped drive wins over the Denver Nuggets, Chicago Bulls, and now the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/atlanta-hawks">Hawks</a>, fueling heightened expectations for the team’s potential this season. When asked about the buzz, Gilgeous-Alexander offered a candid response.



“We don’t care. When we sucked, there was talk about us sucking, and we didn’t care. We got here because we didn’t care. So, we’re going to continue to not care and focus on us getting better every day,” SGA stated in the post-game press conference. 



Gilgeous-Alexander emphasized the team’s commitment to internal growth, using external expectations as motivation to stay focused on their own development: “As long as we do that, eventually, we’ll get to where we want to go. We’ve made strides because we’ve done that. So, just sticking to the program is what we’re focused on.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241028_BUS_261388_Shai-Gilgeous-Alexander-Atlanta-Hawks-Thunder-1024x576_3e1ce5b5.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder blocks the attempted shot of Vit Krejci #27 of the Atlanta Hawks during the second half at Paycom Center on October 27, 2024 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma." class="wp-image-261406" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Shai-Gilgeous-Alexander-Atlanta-Hawks-Thunder-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Shai-Gilgeous-Alexander-Atlanta-Hawks-Thunder-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Shai-Gilgeous-Alexander-Atlanta-Hawks-Thunder-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Shai-Gilgeous-Alexander-Atlanta-Hawks-Thunder-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Shai-Gilgeous-Alexander-Atlanta-Hawks-Thunder-740x416.jpg 740w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Shai-Gilgeous-Alexander-Atlanta-Hawks-Thunder-490x275.jpg 490w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Shai-Gilgeous-Alexander-Atlanta-Hawks-Thunder-250x140.jpg 250w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Shai-Gilgeous-Alexander-Atlanta-Hawks-Thunder.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder blocks the attempted shot of Vit Krejci #27 of the Atlanta Hawks during the second half at Paycom Center on October 27, 2024 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.</figcaption></figure>



The Thunder star has showcased exceptional form in this opening stretch, averaging 28.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, 6.3 assists, and 3 steals per game. Against the Hawks, he nearly recorded a triple-double, finishing with 35 points, 11 rebounds, 9 assists, 3 steals, and 3 blocks over 36 minutes.


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<h2>Thunder rank high in NBA Power Rankings</h2>



Expectations are mounting around the Oklahoma City Thunder, who have joined the Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Los Angeles Lakers as one of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a>’s undefeated teams. In the league’s first Power Rankings of the 2024-25 season, the Thunder hold an impressive position.



The Thunder sit at No. 2 in the rankings, boasting a league-best defensive rating of 90.8. Beyond Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s leadership, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/chet-holmgren">Chet Holmgren</a> has been a standout, averaging 23.7 points, 13.0 rebounds, and 4.0 blocks per game, further solidifying OKC’s early-season dominance.



The rankings include other undefeated teams, with the Celtics in first, the Lakers in third, the Cavaliers in fourth, and the New York Knicks rounding out the top five. Notably, the Cavaliers and Knicks will go head-to-head on Monday, which could shift the rankings in the coming week.

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NBA News: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander makes something clear after Thunder's hyped start - Bolavip US

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In a recent poll of NBA General Managers, Los Angeles Lakers’ <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron--james">LeBron James</a> and Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry were completely overlooked in the voting for the best player at each position. Despite being considered two of the greatest players in history, neither received votes in their respective categories.



The absence of LeBron James and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/stephen-curry">Stephen Curry</a> from the voting across these key NBA positions sparked surprise and debate among fans and experts. Both players have had remarkable careers and are regarded as some of the best in history. However, general managers appear to have a different perspective on their current influence on the league.



General managers answered 50 different questions about the best teams, players, coaches, and offseason moves. They were not allowed to vote for their own team or staff. The percentages are based on the number of respondents to each specific question, rather than all 30 general managers.



<h2>Who will win the 2024-25 NBA MVP?</h2>



Oklahoma City’s <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/shai-gilgeous-alexander">Shai Gilgeous-Alexander</a> was selected as the favorite to win the NBA’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) award for the 2024-25 season, earning 40% of the vote. He was followed by Dallas’ Luka Doncic with 30%, while a group of three players tied for third at 7% each: Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid, Denver’s Nikola Jokic, and Boston’s Jayson Tatum.



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<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">NBA GMs vote on the best player at each position (Via <a href="https://t.co/wWGNmWoaNH">https://t.co/wWGNmWoaNH</a>) <a href="https://t.co/yeujUlHBkx">pic.twitter.com/yeujUlHBkx</a>— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheDunkCentral/status/1843669188138938581?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2024</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<h2>Who is the best shooting guard in the NBA?</h2>



Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards was voted the NBA’s best shooting guard, receiving 33% of the vote. Phoenix’s Devin Booker came in second with 23%, and Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander placed third with 20%. Golden State’s Stephen Curry received just 10% of the vote, while Dallas’ Luka Doncic had 7%.


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<h2>Who is the best power forward in the NBA?</h2>



Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo was voted the NBA’s best power forward with 77% of the vote. Phoenix’s Kevin Durant came in second with 7%. Other players receiving votes included Anthony Davis of the Los Angeles Lakers, Draymond Green of Golden State, Domantas Sabonis of Sacramento, Jayson Tatum of Boston, and Victor Wembanyama of San Antonio.



It’s important to note that this survey reflects the opinions of general managers and does not necessarily align with the views of fans or experts. Despite not being chosen as the best in their positions, LeBron James and Stephen Curry remain pivotal figures in the NBA, and their impact on the game is undeniable.

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NBA GMs completely snub LeBron James, Stephen Curry in best player vote by position - Bolavip US

While the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/2023-NBA-All-Star-Game-How-to-vote-for-each-team-20221228-0047.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NBA All-Star Game</a> doesn’t have a true purpose, meaning the winner doesn’t get anything more than some cash and recognition, getting an <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-rumors-lakers-could-trade-for-a-former-all-star-20221125-0012.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">All-Star</a> nodis one of the biggest honors in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/NBA-Trade-Rumors-Buddy-Hield-and-the-best-shooters-available-20230110-0010.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the Association.</a>
Needless to say, there’s no shortage of talent when it comes to the NBA, meaning there are always multiple snubs from the big game. Still, sometimes, some players ball out in such an impressive way that there’s nochance they don’t get selected.
Now that the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-rumors-miami-heat-could-trade-for-an-all-star-20221114-0006.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">All-Star Game</a> is just around the corner, some young players will finally get their first opportunity to make an appearance. Or at least they should. Here, we let you know who those young men are.
<h2>NBA Rumors: 3 Young Players Who Should Be First-Time All-Stars</h2>
<h3>3. De’Aaron Fox</h3>
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<figure class="image"> <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="413" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:413" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20230111_BUS_211215_dexaaron_fox.jpg_22993414_4c4362e2.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=413" width="740" height="413"></figure><figcaption> De’Aaron Fox – Getty Images </figcaption></figure>
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The Sacramento Kings look poised to end their league-worst postseason drought once and for all. And while Domantas Sabonis gets plenty of credit for that— and rightfully so, De’Aaron Fox might have finally taken that leap forward.
The Kentucky product has been one of the flashiest players in the league this season. His speed, playmaking, and athleticism make him a one-man show, averaging 23.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and 1.3 three-pointers on 50% from the floor.
<h3>2. Tyrese Haliburton</h3>
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<figure class="image"> <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="413" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:413" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20230111_BUS_211215_tyrese_haliburton_1.jpg_22993414_3c7d480e.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=413" width="740" height="413"></figure><figcaption> Tyrese Haliburton – Getty Images </figcaption></figure>
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Tyrese Haliburton is proving that he can be a franchise cornerstone. He’s leading the league in total assists, all while rarely turning the ball over and making a fool out of defenders with his versatile scoring skills.
Haliburton has the rebuilding Indiana Pacers way ahead of schedule and is the main reason why they’re in playoff contention right now. Thus far, he’s averaging 20.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, 10.3 assists, 1.8 steals, and 3.0 triples a night on 48/40/88 shooting splits.
<h3>1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander</h3>
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<figure class="image"> <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="413" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:413" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20230111_BUS_211215_shai_gilgeous-alexander.jpg_22993414_a44129b3.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=413" width="740" height="413"></figure><figcaption> Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – Getty Images </figcaption></figure>
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has scored more points than Paul George and Kawhi Leonard combined, sothe Los Angeles Clippers may regret that trade now. He’s been a driving force on both ends of the floor.
While the Oklahoma City Thunder may be a ways away from contention, Shai is blossoming as a two-way superstar. Throughout the season, he’s averaged 30.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.0 three-pointers per game on 50% shooting.

NBA News: Tyrese Haliburton and potential first-time All-Stars

NBA News: Tyrese Haliburton and potential first-time All-Stars - Bolavip US

As the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/NBA-News-Paul-George-issues-strong-warning-to-the-NBA-20221206-0066.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2022-2023 NBA Season</a> progresses, every NBA team will need their most important players to make the difference in a close game with an over-the-limit performance. That is what is currently happening with <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/NBA-News-Boston-Celtics-legend-makes-unexpected-statement-about-Anthony-Davis-20221206-0060.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Anthony Davis</a> for the Los Angeles Lakers, and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/NBA-News-Jason-Kidd-makes-unexpected-statement-about-Luka-Doncics-performance-20221206-0065.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Luka Donicic</a>for the Dallas Mavericks.
Anthony Davis has been playing with huge dominance on the court that has helped the Lakers to overcome the obstacles towards a 10-13 record so far. Due to his recent illness he missed the game against the Cavaliers, but at the end, Davis has made an irreplaceable performance for his team.
As well as Luka Doncic, where even coach Jason Kidd has mentioned he doesn’t believe Doncic will sustained his performances for so long, and even in the NBA Playoffs. However, as important these players are, the player with most points in the clutch is another young NBA future superstar who is starting to break out.
<h2>NBA News: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has the most ‘Clutch Points’ in the season so far</h2>
According the specialized site StatMuse that covers the NBA, NFL, and NHL stats, the 24-year-old shooting guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who plays for the Oklahoma City Thunder, has pulled up 60 points in the clutch moments of his games so far. He has the most in the league, according to them.
Next in line is Luka Doncic, the reasonDallas Mavericks have 11 wins so far in the season. The 23-year-old Slovevenian has pulled up 53 points in between the highest-pressured moments of a game.In which probably, he has sealedmany wins for the Mavericks. Although Doncic is not even in the top 10 players with most points in the last quarter.
And thispodium closes out with a huge surprise.Jalen Brunson of the New York Knickshas pulled up 52 points in the clutch for the New York franchise. In fact, Brunson is 8th place among the players with most points in the fourth quarter, which means he makes the money count when the Knicks need it the most.

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Not Davis nor Doncic: The player with most 'Clutch Points' in the current season

Not Davis nor Doncic: The player with most 'Clutch Points' in the current season - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-how-many-games-are-in-a-regular-season-20220823-0033.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The NBA</a> has become a predictable cycle to some degree. A young star thrives on a rebuilding team,<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-news-ben-simmons-takes-a-shot-at-sixers-fans-20220922-0004.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> </a><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-news-ben-simmons-takes-a-shot-at-sixers-fans-20220922-0004.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">gets frustrated</a> with all the losing, and forces his way out. That’s especially common in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-rumors-donovan-mitchell-never-wanted-to-join-the-knicks-20220916-0009.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">small-market teams.</a>
Donovan Mitchell’s situation was just another example of that trend. While Mitchell didn’t formally request a trade, it became evident that he had already outgrown the team and wouldn’t be happy with a rebuild.
So, that’s why some around the league speculate that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander could be the next young star to be traded. With that in mind, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/chet-holmgrens-secret-revealed-to-avoid-being-drafted-by-orlando-magic-20220628-0003.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Oklahoma City Thunder</a> GM Sam Presti had to clear the air.
<h2>NBA News: Sam Presti Denies Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Trade Rumors</h2>
“The only reason we’re talking about it is because another player on another team got traded,” Presti said, per The Norman Transcript. “The aggregation machine is empty now, so we need a little more content. No one is out to try to disrupt the Thunder or create problems for the Thunder. It’s just this is the business we work in. You shouldn’t be surprised by that because there needs to be content. It’s a business.”
“We have a pretty long runway with this particular team,” Presti added.”Shai is just entering pre-prime years. Josh, Chet, some of the other guys we have, are still a few years away from getting to that point. But at some point here in the near future, you’re going to have those tenures overlap, so to speak, and that’s extremely exciting when you think about the progress that the guys have made.”
 
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The Thunder have a plethora of draft picks and young players, but they’ve made it clear that they’re building around Shai. Still, we wouldn’t be shocked to see him change his stance if they don’t start winning some games and making the playoffs soon.

shai Gilgeous Alexander

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