Is it possible for a basketball team in real life to play on beginner mode and dominate the competition like one may do in NBA 2K? Because that is what the Oklahoma City Thunder are seemingly doing this season, and a shocking Shai Gilgeous-Alexander fact highlights the point.
It's one thing for an NBA team to play well. Most good teams still have competitive victories. Their superstars lead them to clutch wins in the fourth quarter.
Yet fans may not realize that Gilgeous-Alexander has appeared in the fourth quarter in just seven of the Thunder's 18 games this season. At 17-1 overall, it's a fact that is almost unfathomable.
Thunder haven't needed Shai Gilgeous-Alexander late in games
The Thunder are not just defeating opponents -- they're crushing them and cruising to wins.
It's somewhat surprising given the fact that Oklahoma City's first two games of the NBA season both went to double-overtime.
Since those contests, however, the Thunder have unlocked their full potential, and now Gilgeous-Alexander's presence is rarely required in the fourth quarter as a result.
Oklahoma City has won ten games by 15 or more points thus far into the 2025-26 campaign and has earned six wins by 20 or more points.
Gilgeous-Alexander is still in the middle of yet another incredible season, but he has not had to demonstrate this point in the clutch all that much. Instead, the superstar has been able to record impressive numbers in many lopsided affairs.
There are pros and cons to the way the Thunder are obliterating their opponents.
Looking at the primary negative first, the squad may not be as battle-tested as other teams once the postseason comes around. As a result, other contenders could gain an edge, something that may lead to a crushing playoff upset.
Looking through the positive lens leads to a much more likely outcome, however, which is that Gilgeous-Alexander's lack of fourth-quarter minutes will keep him well-rested for the postseason.
The same can be said for other starters who are able to watch the conclusion of games on the bench in blowouts.
Not only will this help keep the starters healthy, but it could lead to improved all-around performance in May and June. A well-rested roster makes for a dangerous team.
Will the Thunder continue to cruise past their opponents on a consistent basis? Only time will tell, but their top-ranked defense and respectable offense makes it a legitimate possibility.