“A failure”: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander reflects on the Thunder’s season

The disappointment from Oklahoma City’s Game 7 elimination against the San Antonio Spurs is still fresh. Despite putting together an MVP-caliber season, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had no hesitation when evaluating his year.

For the former Clippers guard, the season cannot be considered a success without achieving the ultimate goal: an NBA championship.

I failed to accomplish my goal. I didn’t get what I wanted. At the same time, whenever I fall short of what I’m chasing, that’s when I learn the most about myself and take the biggest steps forward in my career. I don’t see this situation any differently. I didn’t get where I wanted to be, and there’s a reason for that. Now I have to figure out what that reason is and make sure it doesn’t happen again

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The Spurs built an almost perfect defensive game plan around him: Stephon Castle picking him up at the point of attack and Victor Wembanyama waiting near the rim. That combination forced Gilgeous-Alexander into difficult mid-range attempts and took away many of his opportunities at the basket.

Speaking about Wembanyama specifically, Shai acknowledged the impact of the French superstar.

They have a player behind everything who is different from everyone else. They funnel everything toward him. It’s a really strong defense. That doesn’t mean it’s impossible to score, but it’s something completely different

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Chet Holmgren’s struggles and Shai’s support

Among the players expected to help offset the absences of Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell was Chet Holmgren, but the Thunder big man endured a difficult series.

His offensive production fell well below expectations, and in Game 7 his impact was almost nonexistent: just four points and only two field-goal attempts.

Holmgren admitted he never found his rhythm.

A lot of it was the defensive pressure I was facing. Other times, I just felt out of rhythm. Looking back, there were situations where I could have taken more shots and didn’t. That’s definitely something I need to improve

Chet Holmgren

Despite the criticism directed at his teammate, Gilgeous-Alexander was among the first to defend him. The Canadian star pointed out that Oklahoma City’s rise coincided with Holmgren’s arrival in the starting lineup and reiterated how important he is to the franchise’s future.

I didn’t play my best series either. Chet isn’t going to come to me asking for an offseason development plan. I know how much he cares about this game and how badly he wants to become the best version of himself. The same goes for me

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The Thunder’s season therefore ends with plenty of frustration, but also with the feeling that the core built around Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams still has all the time it needs to return and compete at the highest level.