Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Enters Health and Safety Protocols, Thunder Fall to 0-5 Without Him
One of the most underrated players in the entire NBA, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander keeps the Oklahoma City Thunder competitive. In fact, when he’s been on the floor for the team in the past two seasons, they’ve won more than 40% of their games.
On the flip side, when he doesn’t take the floor Oklahoma City really struggles to compete. They’ll be put to the test on that front over the next week or so as Gilgeous-Alexander will be unavailable as the newest Thunder player in health and safety protocols.
After a loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday night without Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC is now 0-5 on the season without him. To this point in the 2021-22 season, the Thunder simply cannot compete with teams without SGA being on the court.
In the tough Western Conference, it’ll be difficult for Gilgeous-Alexander to make the All-Star team this season, but his numbers are certainly deserving. Through 31 games this season, he’s averaged 22.7 points, 5.2 assists and 4.8 rebounds per contest.
On a rebuilding team, he doesn’t get as much credit as he deserves. However, his impact could come to light over the next few games if the Thunder continue to struggle without him.
When Gilgeous-Alexander has suited up this season, Oklahoma City has gone 13-18, which would put the team on pace to win nearly 35 games this season. Over the next week, the Thunder have three games in which they could potentially be without their star.
