Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sidelined to start In-Season Tournament
By Rylan Stiles
The Oklahoma City Thunder suffered a devastating loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on National TV. In their return to the NBA spotlight, the OKC Thunder not only saw a 22-point lead evaporate but now see their superstar, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, sidelined in the In-Season tournament opener.
The OKC Thunder will host the Golden State Warriors on Friday, November 3rd, 2023, in the In-Season Tournament. This is the inaugural In Season tournament game for the NBA, which will take place every Tuesday and Friday throughout the month of November for Pool play.
While this game will be played on a new court, and an NBA Cup is on the line, the contest will also count just the same in the Western Conference Standings. Either way, it is an important clash between Western Conference foes looking to make the postseason come April.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will miss Friday’s tilt with the Golden State Warriors in the team’s first In-Season Tournament game.
At the end of the New Orleans Pelicans contest, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander landed awkwardly and stayed in the backcourt as the Pelicans shot free throws favoring his leg. At the time, it looked to be an ankle; however, post-game, we learned it was a knee injury.
In his post-game press conference, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said he felt “alright,” but at Thursday’s practice, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander did not participate; in fact, he did not even have shoes on. OKC Thunder bench boss Mark Daigneault explained that while Gilgeous-Alexander was fine yesterday but woke up this morning with soreness.
Mark Daigneault explained Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was good enough to return to the game against the Pelicans yesterday, SGA himself said he felt alright post game but Mark Daigneault explained SGA woke up with soreness today https://t.co/0s1n7fuej4
— Rylan Stiles (@Rylan_Stiles) November 2, 2023
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in good spirits at practice he was trying to imitate Tre Mann’s shot at the line barefoot. He later said “[the rim on this goal] is trash, y’all ever notice that?” SGA usually works at the goal on the top far left of the facility. pic.twitter.com/rJMtFCm6KQ
— Rylan Stiles (@Rylan_Stiles) November 2, 2023
The OKC Thunder have consecutive off days for the first time all season on Saturday and Sunday before their next tilt with the Atlanta Hawks on Monday, November 6th. Mark Daigneault and the OKC Thunder will continue to evaluate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as he recovers from this knee sprain.
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