Throughout the season the Oklahoma City Thunder have made clear their strength is as a unit.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a deserving favorite to win the MVP Award. It is right his consistent high-scoring performances and decisive impact on games gain the credit he deserves.
But his individual brilliance is supported by a strong team ethic, strong supporting cast, and effective leadership. They way they work together as a group is even showcased in their multi-man post-game on-court interviews.
Part of what makes Shai Gilgeous-Alexander great is that he knows his teammates are integral to success.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander spoke at the team’s press conference following the victory at the Sacramento Kings.
He discussed teammate Isaiah Joe, praising the way the 25-year-old has impacted his game positively and commenting that he tries to pay it back.
SGA explained: “He’s a floor spacer energy guy, like, can never have too many guys like that on your team.
“He makes the defense pay almost every chance, he feels like so reliable.
“And for a guy like me, who likes to play with the ball and penetrate and stuff like that, to have guys that can space the floor and keep the defense honest is very big.”
Speaking further about the impact Joe has on his own game, he added: “He helps me be the player I am and I try to do the same, I try to do vice versa when I’m in the paint with him.
“He not only helps myself but helps the rest of the group flow, he’s a big part of our group.”
The Oklahoma City Thunder became the first team in the NBA this season to reach 60 wins, accumulating only 12 losses along the way.
They currently hold a seven-game win streak, the longest active streak in the league, putting in a series of unstoppable performances.
Isaiah Joe scored 14 points in the win over the Kings, adding three rebounds, three assists, and three steals.
His numbers of 9.6 points per game this season is narrowly his career best, and while OKC lean on SGA’s brilliance, the impact his teammates provide is every bit as important in the bigger picture.
