The Oklahoma City Thunder got back to work on Thursday night, beating the Los Angeles Clippers 129-107 in their first game after the All-Star break.
During that game, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander put up 31 points and 8 assists, while shooting 63.2% from the field and 50% from the three-point line.
On Friday’s First Take, Stephen A. Smith stated it’s time that everyone gives credit to the two-time All-Star.
Smith highlighted the fact that Gilgeous-Alexander is scoring over 30 points and 2 steals per game with an 88% free throw percentage.
“We’ve got to stop ignoring this kid. He’s that special!” Smith exclaimed.
"We've got to stop ignoring this kid. He's that special!" 🤩
—@stephenasmith thinks all eyes should be on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 👀 pic.twitter.com/Y7BUvZEPFe
— First Take (@FirstTake) February 23, 2024
For the season, Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 31.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 6.6 assists.
He is also recording 2.1 steals, the best in the entire NBA.
Despite what Smith said, there are many people not ignoring the 25-year-old guard and he is being spoken of as a possible MVP for the season.
The Thunder are playing better than they have in years and are currently the second-best team in the West with a 38-17 record.
Gilgeous-Alexander isn’t the only great player on the team but he’s consistently the best.
Smith said that the team has gotten so good that there is no excuse for them to not win a championship within the next few seasons.
The question is how far Gilgeous-Alexander can take himself and his squad this season.
Smith and others have noted the youthful inexperience of the Thunder, as well as their small size.
Will that ultimately hurt them when the playoffs begin?
No matter how this season ends, it’s guaranteed that Gilgeous-Alexander will be celebrated as one of the best young players in the league.
He is very special but it might be too soon for him and his team to go all the way to the Finals, at least this year.
NEXT: The Thunder Are Releasing Former First-Round Pick