OKC Thunder: Mega triple-double punctuates Gilgeous-Alexander’s best 2019-20 performances

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has brought swag and style to lead the OKC Thunder in a year that features a list of accolades including a stunning triple-double.

OKC Thunder’s rising star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has proven to be the young centerpiece the club desired and much more.

The Canadian has played incredible basketball in his first campaign with OKC, leading them in points and showcasing his smooth and savvy game.

It doesn’t matter what match it is, SGA is always providing us with magnificent plays in the paint and dazzling us with his ability to score and help his team win.

When he joined the team in the offseason, he came in with the confidence that he wasn’t going to force anything or try to be something he is not.

According to Erik Horne of The Oklahoman, as he was asked about filling the shoes of Russell Westbrook he responded saying:

"I am not Russell Westbrook. I don’t not have the same name, same body type, stuff like that. So, I’m just going to try to be myself and be the best me and everything else will take care of itself."

Gilgeous-Alexander’s response spoke volumes to his maturity and a strong belief in his own game.

There is no doubt the 21-year-old is going to be a superstar in this league with continued development and experience. He’s already taken a trip to the playoffs with the Clippers last season where he impressed against the Golden State Warriors. And in his second year in the NBA is helping to lead a Thunder team to a deep postseason run.

SGA has already shown us that he’s not afraid to take the last shot when the game is on the line or step up under pressure. It’s what makes him such a special player.

This season the guard is averaging 19.3 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game. As well as shooting 47.3 percent from the field and 80.1 percent from the charity stripe.

Here are six of his best games throughout an indelible 2019-20.

SGA joins an elite group on triple-double board:

If there is one performance that stands out from SGA this year it is his historic triple-double spectacle against the Minnesota Timberwolves on January 14th.

It was a night of accolades as the youngster not only recorded his first career triple-double but also became the first Canadian-born player to achieve the feat (notably, Steve Nash while Canadian was born in Johannesburg, South Africa).

He put up a colossal 20 points, 20 rebounds, and 10 assists and joined legendary company as only the fourth second-year player to post a 20-20 triple-double. The other three players are none other than Oscar Robertson, Charles Barkley, and Shaquille O’Neal.

Many around the league shared their amazement at Gilgeous-Alexanders’ tenacity to register such huge numbers. Fellow Canadian Andrew Wiggins and Toronto Raptors All-Star Pascal Siakam were among them.

Siakam said: “I just know how hard it is to grab that many rebounds…it’s really impressive to be able to do that.”

SGA’s phenomenal achievement brought back memories of Westbrook doing the same thing many times while with the Thunder. The pair are actually the only guards in the NBA to have a 20-20 triple-double in the last 30 seasons.

Throughout the match, Gilgeous-Alexander was so efficient shooting eight of 12 from the field, 100 percent at the free-throw line, and draining two three-pointers. He had an all-around sensational game, creating plays and finding ways to get to the basket.

It was a game that many will remember for a long time.

Marvelous homecoming performance:

On the 29th of December, the Thunder traveled to SGA’s homeland of Canada to take on the Toronto Raptors. And SGA did not disappoint in front of not only his home fans but family and friends in the stands. He played a spectacular game and topped it off by hitting the game-winning shot.

With less than a minute left, Chris Paul swung the ball out to SGA at the three-point line. The Thunder was down 97-96 and with 36.7 seconds left on the clock. SGA took matters into his own hands, drove down the lane in traffic, and put up a shot off the backboard to put OKC in front.

It was brilliant and displayed his ability to embrace big moments in games. He finished with 32 points (the most by a Canadian against the Raptors), seven rebounds, three steals, and two assists. And it was the third time in five matches that he’d put up 32 points.

Even with persistent defense, SGA was unstoppable. He continued to exchange shots with the Raptors and was diligent on the defensive side, playing with courage and conviction right until the end.

As a side benefit, Raptors coach Nick Nurse got to witness the player he would be game-planning with as he is the Canadian National Men’s team head coach.

Shining against the Suns:

Another milestone night for SGA came on December 20th when he went off for a career-high against the Phoenix Suns.

The guard led the OKC Thunder to a massive 126-108 victory with a game-high 32 points, four rebounds, three assists, and a steal on 72.2 percent shooting from the field.

SGA was magnificent winning the battle against Devin Booker. He was cutting past defenders with ease, spinning his way to the basket, and causing problems for the Suns all game.

No matter how many defenders were on him, he found ways to maneuver past them. It’s quite a unique way of playing because unlike some players who would prefer to take a long jumper instead of traveling through congestion, Shai embraces it.

As witnessed in this game against the Phoenix when it’s working for him, he will continue to dominate his opponents. The artistry of SGA and his ability to think on the spot is outstanding and he fully demonstrated that creativity in this game.

Gilgeous-Alexander goes off versus his former squad:

What better way to welcome your former team to your new home city than by matching your career-high in superb fashion.

On December 22nd as the Thunder hosted the Clippers, SGA did just that by recording 32 points, five assists, three rebounds, and two steals.

One exceptional highlight occurred in the first quarter when he brushed past Clippers guard Landry Shamet with a behind the back dribble, attacked and then put up a nice floater to finish.

SGA also created opportunities for his teammates by drawing in defenders and finding the open man as well as being ready on transition. His shooting percentage was down 48 percent from 72.2 percent against Phoenix but he still contributed immensely to the win and displayed his many talents across the box score.

Considering Clippers head coach Doc Rivers is more than a little familiar with the Canadian the fact he still got whatever he wanted to be punctuated just how tricky he is to limit.

It’s this that makes him so valuable because he isn’t just willing or able to have an influence on one part of the game, he’s got versatility. Something that will take the Thunder very far.

Gilgeous-Alexander displays exceptional scoring show:

It seems this is a list full of historic accomplishments and startling stats. Gilgeous-Alexander had the best shooting game of his young career against the Detroit Pistons on March 4th.

https://twitter.com/okcthunder/status/1235378381866352646

With 27 points on 80 percent shooting (12-15) SGA was a master with the basketball in hand. He let the game come to him and it seemed like everything around him had slowed down.

He punished defenders with his speed and worked great off the screen. The guard rarely gets flustered and showed how he can control the ball with confidence as well as put his body on the line when he’s driving to the hoop.

SGA put on a majestic performance that showed his true scoring prowess. It was a reflection of how he is able to bounce back from a loss just like the Thunder had before this game against the Clippers. He scored 15 points in that matchup with 58.3 percent from the floor but turned it around in Detroit.

SGA steps up with big fourth-quarter run:

As we come to the last top game from SGA this season perhaps this one shows more of his ability to never give up even when his shot isn’t falling.

Head Coach Billy Donovan touched on this throughout the year saying that it is good for Shai to experience adversity so that he is able to find ways to overcome it, making him a stronger player.

https://twitter.com/okcthunder/status/1203891906410950658

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Going up against the Portland Trail Blazers on December 8th, the Canadian was 1 of 7 from the field through the first three-quarters of the match.

But going into the last frame he turned on a switch and scored 14 points to help orchestrate a 108-96 triumph alongside CP3 and Dennis Schroder.

It was a stellar display as SGA finished with 21 points, nine rebounds, three assists, a steal, and went nine from12 at the free-throw line.

He didn’t let early struggles define his night and made it his mission to help get the Thunder on track to win.

This season so far has allowed us to see just how good Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is. He hasn’t tried to be anyone but himself and has remained determined and done his best to play consistent basketball.

It’s all Thunder Nation could really ask for and the thrilling thing is that there’s still so much more of him fans have yet to see.