No matter how much praise the Oklahoma City Thunder have earned for their team-first mentality, deep roster, and elite defense, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith isn’t mincing words: it all comes down to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. 🤷♂️
And honestly? He’s not wrong.
The Thunder have been one of the best stories in the NBA this season. They’re young, they’re fearless, and they play beautiful, connected basketball. Chet Holmgren has been a revelation as a rookie rim protector and floor-spacer. Jalen Williams continues to look like one of the best value picks in recent memory. Even the role players — Isaiah Joe, Luguentz Dort, and the rest — have found ways to shine brightly when called upon.
But as Stephen A. pointed out, when you get deep into the playoffs, stars win series. And for OKC, that star — that engine — is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
No matter how many weapons the Thunder have, no matter how good Mark Daigneault’s system is, when the game slows down in the fourth quarter and every possession feels like a heavyweight punch, it’s going to be about who can create something out of nothing. That’s where SGA steps in.
Stephen A.’s argument is simple: if SGA plays like the MVP-caliber superstar he’s been all season, the Thunder have a real shot at making serious noise — maybe even reaching the NBA Finals. But if he’s even slightly off? If he has an off night? OKC’s margin for error shrinks dramatically.
We’ve already seen glimpses of this throughout the playoffs. When Shai is in attack mode, dictating pace, getting to his spots, and hitting those impossible midrange jumpers, the Thunder look unstoppable. His ability to bend defenses, force double teams, and create open looks for teammates is what elevates everyone around him.
But when he’s bottled up — when teams throw traps, extra bodies, and try to wear him down — the Thunder’s offense can sometimes stall. It’s not an indictment of the team; it’s just the reality of playoff basketball. Stars have to carry in these moments. It’s always been that way.
Stephen A.’s statement might sound like he’s putting pressure on SGA — and he is. But it’s also a massive compliment. It means Shai has arrived at that level where the expectations are sky-high, where analysts and fans alike believe he’s the type of player who can tip a series with his brilliance.
And if we’re being honest, Shai seems ready for it. Throughout the year, he’s played with poise beyond his years. His game is built for these gritty playoff battles: calm under pressure, lethal in the clutch, and unshakable even when defenses throw everything at him.
Regardless of how well the Thunder are playing collectively — and they’ve been playing really well — the truth is, Stephen A. nailed it. In the end, it’s going to come down to SGA.
And based on what we’ve seen so far?
He’s built for this moment. 🏀🔥
