Last night was a historical night in the association. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander became the youngest player to record a 20 point, 20 rebound triple double (beating Shaquille O’neal).
I cannot emphasise how impressive this is. The only other players to do this in the last 20 years are Demarcus Cousins with 3, David Lee, KG and of course, Russ.
20 rebounds. For a guard. It’s astounding.
It’s also his first career triple double. A great one to start with it has to be said.
Shai is looking like the complete package this year under his new-found mentor CP3. Averaging 19.9/5.7/2.8 on the OKC Thunder and putting up historical nights like last night. You can’t help but be excited for the future of this player.
There’s no doubt in my mind he’d be up for MIP if he weren’t only a second year player.
O Canada!
Only the second Canadian to post a triple double in the NBA. The other, Steve Nash.
It looks like Canada can forget about Wiggins, Murray and RJ Barrett. Maybe forget is a bit strong, but there seems to be a new wave of athletic, skilful guards coming from the Great North, something that they have to be excited about going into the Olympics this year.
Even Tristan Thompson could be a good player for them going into the summer, assuming he doesn’t continue to get dunked on by 19 year olds- shout out to Seykou Doumbouya.
Clipped
Even though the Clippers acquired Paul George and are now leading favourites to win the Chip by many, it’s clear that the OKC have acquired some serious talent and they certainly have not lost out.
It was evident since Paul George joined the Thunder that it wasn’t going to work with Russ for me. Russ didn’t fit Donovan’s system, he was too ball dominant and the offence was sticky. Now, with a new group of players, all playing within their roles, Donovan has been able to flex his proverbial managerial muscle. It’s impressive to see.
The question on a lot of minds right now: Do the Thunder choose to become buyers before the deadline and push with what they’ve got, or sell it all and start fresh with a young core? I really hope they choose the former. I certainly would not like to come across them in the first round of the playoffs right now…
The Over-Analytical 