It didn’t take much for the reigning league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to put the Los Angeles Lakers away. In just 29 minutes, the Oklahoma City Thunder star posted 30 points, nine assists, five rebounds, and two steals in a 121â92 win that showcased the sharp, organized basketball this team has opened the season with.
For Thunder fans, it was another example of how steady his production has become. For Lakers head coach JJ Redick, it was evidence that sometimes preparation only goes so far when the opposing star controls the game as cleanly as Gilgeous-Alexander does.
After the loss, Redick didnât talk about scheme or matchups. His focus was on the opposing MVP.
“He’s a killer. Just like a lot of the best players in the world are. He’s the MVP for a reason,” Redick said. “I think he gets the warranted amount of attention and scheming from opposing defenses like we did and he’s still gonna figure out a way to get 30. He’s just a really, really good basketball player.”
The tone of his comments matched what most coaches have acknowledged privately for two years: Gilgeous-Alexander doesnât rely on streaks. His numbers reflect consistency more than volatility, and Wednesday followed that pattern.
A Season Built on Clean, Repeatable Production
Through the first stretch of the 2025â26 season, Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 32.5 points (2nd in the NBA), 6.6 assists, 5.2 rebounds, and shooting 52% from the field. His three-point efficiency sits at 35%, and his turnover count remains impressively low at 1.7 per game, giving Oklahoma City a stable centerpiece in every offensive possession.
His scoring average becomes more notable when paired with his minutes. According to this weekâs NBA Kia MVP Ladder, Gilgeous-Alexander has already sat out seven fourth quarters in Oklahoma Cityâs first 13 games because the Thunder had built enough cushion. In those games, he scored under 30 points just once.
The Ladder also pointed out that if he played those missing fourth quarters, his season scoring average would likely track near 40 points per game. Even without them, he currently sits No. 2 on the MVP board, trailing only Nikola Jokic.
This is the part that resonates most with Thunder fans: nothing about his start requires inflation. The minutes, usage, and efficiency are all in line with what heâs done before, only with fewer opportunities to pad totals because of Oklahoma Cityâs balanced roster and frequent blowouts.
Oklahoma Cityâs Structure Continues to Elevate Its Star
The Thunderâs 12â1 record mirrors the consistency Gilgeous-Alexander has provided. Their defensive activity allows them to control tempo early, and their half-court spacing gives him clean reads throughout the first three quarters. Itâs the kind of environment where a high-level guard can maximize possessions without forcing the action.
Against the Lakers, that structure was evident from the opening minutes. Oklahoma City scored efficiently, defended without fouling, and controlled the pace long enough to create separation by halftime. Gilgeous-Alexander didnât need more than 29 minutes because the game didnât require it.
A Clear Benchmark for Opponents
Redick said the loss offered a chance to âcourse-correct.â For Los Angeles, that meant seeing the gap between themselves and a team that has spent the past two seasons building toward long-term stability.
For Oklahoma City, it was another night where their star controlled the game, their depth carried stretches, and their identity held firm.
Gilgeous-Alexander isnât padding his résumé. Heâs simply repeating the habits that made him last seasonâs MVP â only now with fewer minutes and a clearer sense of command.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Thunder Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Earns Strong Praise From JJ Redick appeared first on Heavy Sports.