3 Takeaways in OKC Thunder’s comeback win vs Cavs

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is an MVP candidate — again.

At this point, people may have been used to seeing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s name in MVP conversations as he was part of the All-NBA First Team last season while being a Top 5 contender through the previous year. Those conversations may have to be resumed this season after these SGA’s displays.

Gilgeous-Alexander put up 34 points, four assists, and five steals to lead the Thunder; he shot 26 attempts and posted a 63 percent true shooting rate while only shooting two free throws throughout the game, which came only when the result was set in stone.

For a stretch, however, it felt like the Cavs, particularly Caris Levert, caught Gilgeous-Alexander in jail, building a wall of sagging defenders on him to stunt his drives and force him to pick up his dribble. That did not stop him and the Thunder from finding offense and delivering in the clutch.

It was the second straight 30-point game of Shai in as many games this season. Shai manipulates defenders into playing at his own pace before stepping on the gas pedal to stride to the basket and score.

By this principle, SGA may have another MVP-level season ahead of him while the Thunder continue to win games with him leading the pack.

He also remains one of the best guards in picking the pockets of his opponents. While the defense has never been his forte, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander can definitely hold his own against anyone on that end.

The season is still in its infancy, but Shai is for sure turning heads and ringing MVP bells across the league.