OKC Thunder 3 keys vs. Hawks: Gallinari’s return to Chesapeake
OKC Thunder key number 3: All-Star snubs motivated to perform
A number of players felt the sting of the All-Star snub this week. For Trae Young and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, it was especially harsh. SGA got hit three times– the fan vote, the coaches snub, and then had to witness Adam Silver select the new running mate (Devin Booker) of his former mentor (Chris Paul).
Intentions already touched on why he should’ve been selected and spoke on his snub (see above link) but SGA’s response trumped everything else as he dropped a career-high 42 points on the Spurs and did it again with extreme efficiency.
It’s been stated before on frequent occasions but it bears repeating how bright the future looks with SGA at the helm. Watching a team that isn’t in contention has the potential to be depressing. But I’m sure many of you have a similar mindset as the narrator — I never get tired of watching SGA and the ease with which he plays and produces.
His performance on Wednesday had me smirking as that was arguably the best mic drop by any of the All-Star snubs!
As for Young, his exclusion also solicited a strong response. Although the Hawks haven’t met expectations (yet) the game is taking place on his home court. Sure, there aren’t fans on hand but it would’ve been fitting to have a player representing the Hawks in the game.
Young dropped 33 points and hit five perimeter shots (5 of 11) on route to a 127-112 shellacking of the Celtics. That the performance occurred against two players who were awarded All-Star reserve spots ahead of Young (Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown) was fitting.
This match also offers a personal tie for Young and no doubt is one close to his heart. The point guard played his early ball at Norman North High School and his college ball with Oklahoma.
Atlanta is favored in the match and should be given their depth and talent. That said, I’m looking forward to watching the two franchise cornerstones and how they follow up their Wednesday efforts.