Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: Inside the evolving leadership style of one of the NBA’s next-up stars nytimes.com/athletic/54612…

Here’s a longer feature on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and his evolving leadership style.

Includes insight/anecdotes from SGA, Chet Holmgren, Chris Paul, Mark Daigneault, more. nytimes.com/athletic/54612…

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is 25, but already finishing his sixth NBA season.

He’s been traded, absorbed a rebuild and built himself into an MVP candidate on a top seed.

And it’s made him into the leader he is today.

Anthony Slater explains.

Outstanding work here by Anthony Slater. Highly recommend this read on Shai and the Thunder.

nytimes.com/athletic/54612…

Here’s a longer feature on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and his evolving leadership style.

Includes insight/anecdotes from SGA, Chet Holmgren, Chris Paul, Mark Daigneault, more. nytimes.com/athletic/54612…

The Thunder scored a playoff-low 92 points in a Game 5 loss that has them down 3-2 to the Mavericks. But they were actually pleased with their offensive process.

“This is probably going to sound crazy…”

nytimes.com/athletic/54975…

Thunder held to 92 points in a Game 5 loss. They went 10-of-40 from 3 and are now 17-of-67 on 3s the last two games. Not making enough outside shots vs a pack-the-paint defensive scheme. Elimination Game 6 in Dallas on Saturday night.

Mavericks up 10 at half. Derrick Jones: 15 points, 6/6 FG, three 3s, giving Dallas the Washington bump. Thunder struggling to score again: 22 points both quarters, 44 total. Jalen Williams 4 points on 2/6 FG in 18 mins. Hasn't had a huge offensive night this series.

The Thunder are replacing Josh Giddey in the starting lineup for Game 5 tonight. First time they’ve made the move. Isaiah Joe is replacing him.

Mark Daigneault on his starting lineup choice entering Game 5: 'I look at everything all the time.' OKC starters are -22 in 31 minutes together vs Dallas. Daigneault noted that Josh Giddey was a +6 last night (mixed into some 2nd unit lineups). nytimes.com/athletic/54913…

Luka Doncic has needed 77 shots for his 88 points in this Thunder series. Shooting 39%. Kyrie Irving is averaging 15 points. Single digits twice. The Thunder has held opponents under 100 points in all six of their playoff wins. nytimes.com/athletic/54913…

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander made 10 mid-range jumpers, four non-restricted area 2s and six free throws in Game 4. That’s 34 points without a single make from 3 or at the rim.

Included a jumper from behind the backboard: “That one was ill-advised.”

Chet Holmgren on the Thunder going 23-of-24 on free throws: “Damn, I missed the only one?”

Were his two late the biggest FTs of his life? Holmgren said yes, but then decides his three FTs to tie game vs Warriors this season were better.

Game 4 free throws

*Thunder: 23 of 24
*Mavericks: 12 of 23

Thunder execute the foul up three strategy to complete a massive, strange Game 4 win in Dallas. Did it despite going 7-of-27 from 3 and getting nearly nothing at the rim. A ton of SGA mid-rangers, 23 made FTs, vice grip second half defense. Final: 100-96. Series tied 2-2.

Thunder: 3-of-19 from 3 (Giddey, Dort, Wallace the makes) through three quarters but only down 69-65. They won that third quarter 22-15.

The Thunder are starting Isaiah Joe for Josh Giddey to open the second half. Going for the extra spacing.

Tough 1Q for the reeling Thunder. Two quick Dort fouls vs Luka, minus-8 in the five Giddey minutes, Mavericks still sagging off Wiggins when he entered, they missed all six of their 3s, struggling to score. Down 30-20.

The Thunder are staying with their typical starting lineup tonight for a critical Game 4 in Dallas

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Josh Giddey
Lu Dort
Jalen Williams
Chet Holmgren

The Warriors do not move up in the lottery. Their 14th overall pick goes to Portland, closing the book on a 2019 trade. They now owe one future first round pick: 2030 top-20 protected to Washington (Poole for Paul trade).