The Oklahoma City Thunder are off to a franchise-best 8-0 start after beating the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday night. This historic start has come with a few close calls. The first two games of the season needed double overtime before a winner was decided. In fact, four of the first five games were won by six points or less.
The Thunder have learned how to win those close games by using the experiences they encountered in the past. Before winning the NBA Finals last season, OKC was the victim of many tough losses. They were the No. 1 seed in the playoffs in 2023/24, but lost in the Western Conference Semifinals.
Prior to that playoff loss, the Thunder endured a three-year playoff hiatus. Those rough years and tough losses have helped Oklahoma City become the team they are today.
After the Win over the Clippers, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander spoke about the win and the season as a whole.
“You learn the most in these games. Usually, you’re in the mud because the team is doing something that’s putting you in the mud. You have to figure out a way to get out. You have to figure out a way to win the mud. You have to figure out a way to get better so you’re not in the mud,” SGA said, per Clemente Almanza of the OKC Thunder Wire.
The Thunder have learned how to win the close games, while also holding on to big leads in the blowouts. SGA has been at the forefront of the rebuild, and one can expect some pressure to be felt, especially after the 8-0 start. However, SGA is not concerned.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Does Not Feel Pressure
GettySGA is not feeling any pressure from the Thunder’s hot start.
The reigning MVP has picked up right where he left off. He is averaging 33.1 points, 6.6 assists, 5.0 rebounds, 1.4 blocks, and 1.0 steals per game through the first eight games this year. If he continues this pace, it will be the fourth-straight season SGA has finished with more than 30.0 points per game.
In regard to the pressure that comes along with being the best player on the best team, Gilgeous-Alexander simply does not care.
“I don’t really care about pressure. I have expectations for myself and I have goals I want to accomplish. I’m going to go out there and give this game everything I have. That’s all I can control. Whatever happens from there, happens from there,” SGA said, per Almanza.
It is still early in the season, but he is on track to win back-to-back MVP awards. Not feeling the pressure of the moment is a big reason for that.
Can the Thunder Keep Up Their Hot Start?
GettyThe Thunder take on the Trail Blazers Wednesday night.
Oklahoma City will put its undefeated record on the line Wednesday night against the Portland Trail Blazers. Both teams have played well offensively, but the Thunder are great on both ends of the court.
Oklahoma City has allowed the second-fewest points per game(109.4), while holding opponents to the lowest field goal percentage (42.5%). Through the start of the season, the Thunder have the lowest defensive rating.
The team is not only one of the best on offense, but their defense is why they are one of the favorites to win the NBA Finals again.
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