Thunder: 3 studs, 2 duds from crushing Game 6 loss to Mavericks

Studs: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren

The big three tried their best to force a deciding Game 7 at home, but their efforts were all for naught Saturday evening.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was his usual amazing self in Game 6, as he dropped 36 points on 14-of-25 shooting to carry the Thunder for most of the game. The MVP runner-up controlled the tempo and was certainly the best player on the court for long stretches. 

Gilgeous-Alexander also registered eight assists and made four threes, as he looked unstoppable against any defensive scheme. It was a great performance for Shai, though it may have been overshadowed by his crucial late-game foul.   

Jalen Williams, meanwhile, scored 22 points and played well with the ball in his hands. He also had nine rebounds, eight assists, and two steals, while shooting an astounding 64 percent true shooting rate. 

It was a superb bounce-back game for the sophomore after a lackluster two straight.

Chet Holmgren then had 21 points, but still struggled to shoot from long range, making only one of his seven three-point attempts. He also only had three rebounds. 

Looking past his rebounding, Holmgren’s scoring improved from his scoring struggles throughout the series. 

Despite the loss, it was a great test to see exactly where the Thunder are as a team. It was a reality check of sorts. 

Watching this crew come together from the ground up, the Thunder faithful know they will be better and stronger next season.