Shai

Gilgeous-Alexander

Gilgeous-Alexander led the NBA with 175 total clutch points and 6.5 points per game in clutch time, defined as games within five points in the final five minutes of the fourth quarter or overtime, according to a release from NBA PR. He also made a league-leading 16 go-ahead field goals in clutch time. Gilgeous-Alexander finished the regular season as the overwhelming favorite to repeat as Most Valuable Player. He had 25 points in Sunday’s Game 1 victory over the Suns with Game 2 on Wednesday.

The Thunder began the postseason portion of their title defense with a 119-84 rout of the Suns, with the reigning league MVP leading the way. Gilgeous-Alexander didn’t shoot the ball well from the field, but his ability to apply pressure off the dribble and get to the foul line compensated for that. SGA was also responsible for seven assists, and the nature of Sunday’s game meant he needed to play just 29 minutes. Oklahoma City hosts Game 2 on Wednesday.

Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams and Joe remain out for Oklahoma City’s final regular-season game, as the outcome will not affect playoff seeding. Nikola Topić started at point guard on Friday and played 39 minutes; he’ll likely take on a similar workload on Sunday. Brooks Barnhizer and Payton Sandfort played significant minutes off the bench against the Nuggets and will remain in the rotation.

Gilgeous-Alexander and Holmgren are two of several OKC starters who have already been ruled out of Friday’s contest. The Thunder just came off a back-to-back in Los Angeles, in which both SGA and Holmgren finished with a double-double against the Clippers. They have secured the first seed in the Western Conference playoffs and will have homecourt advantage throughout the playoffs.

Not much was required from SGA on Wednesday for the Thunder to collect the win. Yet, he logged another 20-point game and really controlled the contest as a facilitator, tallying double-digit assists en route to a double-double. The reigning MVP has been consistent throughout the season and is averaging 30 or more points for the fourth straight season. Wednesday’s victory locked OKC into the top spot in the Western Conference standings, giving them homecourt advantage throughout the postseason.

With the Lakers not having their top three scorers, it’s unsurprising that Tuesday’s game got out of hand during the second half. Gilgeous-Alexander played 28 minutes, extending his NBA-record streak of games with at least 20 points to 139. Given the limited workload, Gilgeous-Alexander should be in good shape to play in Wednesday’s game against the Clippers.

Even in a game where the Thunder won by 35 and Gilgeous-Alexander only played 24 minutes, the 27-year-old point guard was able to extend his streak of games with at least 20 points to 138. On nights like Sunday, lopsided blowouts where he often sits late, Gilgeous-Alexander has to be efficient to get his numbers. He’s provided just third-round per game value over the last two weeks. Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder have four games in the final week of the regular season, starting with a matchup against the Lakers on Tuesday.

Gilgeous-Alexander extended his streak of games with at least 20 points to 137 on Thursday, and he did not need to play during the fourth quarter to do so. Oklahoma City led by 30 at halftime and by 45 at the end of the third, giving the reigning MVP additional rest in the final frame. With the Thunder hosting the Jazz on Sunday, fantasy managers hoping for an even bigger night from Gilgeous-Alexander should be fine.

SGA increased his scoring throughout each quarter on Monday before reaching overtime. Notably, he tallied 13 points in the final frame to help lead the Thunder back from a late seven-point deficit before forcing overtime and ultimately earning the win in the extra period. The reigning MVP has been nothing short of spectacular this season. With his heroics on Monday, he’s showing up with some of his best production to begin Championship Week in fantasy leagues.

Gilgeous-Alexander couldn’t be contained by the Knicks’ defense as he led the Thunder with 30 points in the victory over New York on Sunday. The 27-year-old point guard controlled the game by getting to the free throw line 16 times and making 13 free throws. The Thunder have three games upcoming in Week 23, starting with a matchup against the Pistons on Monday.