Luka Doncic points out just how fortunate OKC Thunder fans are

The OKC Thunder have watched as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander dominated the 2023 FIBA World Cup tournament. He helped bring Canada their first medal in World Cup history, earning Bronze with a massive victory over Team USA on Sunday. That landed him on the FIBA World Cup All-Star list alongside Luka Doncic.

Team Canada had to make their way through Team Slovenia during the tournament’s knockout round, which set up a brilliant matchup between NBA superstars. While Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had the better team, his battle with Luka Doncic remained must-see TV.

The Oklahoma City Thunder star got the better end of that duel, leaving the Dallas Mavericks star impressed.

Luka Doncic offers high praise for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander after the 2023 FIBA World Cup.

Each player has made it known how important playing for their home country is to them. Luka Doncic went as far as to play hurt during the tournament. So when Shai Gilgeous-Alexander pulled out the win, it was no surprise to see Doncic throw respect his way.

After Team Canada knocked off Slovenia, Luka Doncic took to the podium to say, “Congratulations to Canada, they played great. They have one of the world’s best players, and it was really tough to guard him.”

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished the 2023 FIBA World Cup, averaging 24 points, six assists, six rebounds, and two stocks per contest. It is easy to see why Doncic tabs Gilgeous-Alexander as one of the best in the world because he is.

The OKC Thunder have seen many All-Time greats pass through this organization in the last 15 seasons, and they have spent just a handful of years (Just two, maybe three!) without one of the best players in the league on their team.

That “drought” ended last season as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leaped into Superstar status, finishing fifth in MVP voting. This run of success and dominant players is unique and is a huge luxury Oklahoma City fans have enjoyed since the team relocated here. I promise it is not as easy to pull off as Sam Presti makes it look.