OKC Thunder 3 takeaways from competitive loss to Spurs

OKC Thunder takeaway No. 3) Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has taken the star step

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One goal for of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was to take the next step this season from high-quality point guard to be the star of the team.

Up until now, he has had good defenders on him throughout the season but tonight he had the youngest player named to an NBA All-defensive team, Dejounte Murray.

How did SGA respond? He had 20 points on 7-of-10 shooting, drove hard to the lane, finishing in true SGA style, and generally led the Thunder offense.

He also had nine rebounds and two assists. However, it was the manner and timings of his buckets that elevates him to star level.

Every time the Thunder needed a bucket, SGA would find a seam in the Spurs defense and take the ball to the hoop. We are so used to seeing the way that he finishes that as fans we are almost blase about them.

The fact that he can hold his form in the air and shoot the ball when his defender is totally out of position having jumped with SGA is amazing. It allows him to stop the opposition’s momentum on a single play.

He also has an innate ability to read the game situation and take the Thunder with him as required. Some of his plays against the Spurs just showed this ability off to perfection.

The Thunder are back in action on Wednesday as they play host to the Lakers.