Shai

Gilgeous-Alexander

SGA led all scorers in this one, hitting 9-of-19 shots, including 1-of-4 from three-point range. The 2023-24 MVP candidate led Canada throughout the team’s Olympic run, but he couldn’t get any help from his teammates in the devastating loss. Team Canada shot a pedestrian 37.9% from the floor and hit only 18-of-25 free throws as a team.

Canada picked up their third straight win on Friday, and SGA was instrumental in making that happen. He led the team in scoring and iced the game late with two free throws in the closing seconds. They finished group play undefeated and will continue their quest for gold next week during the quarterfinals.

SGA scored with ease and posted decent numbers across the board in a well-rounded performance. His defensive prowess has been especially impressive during Canada’s 2-0 start.

SGA wasn’t Canada’s leading scorer in this game, but he was clearly in control from start to finish. He made timely plays throughout the game on both ends of the floor and as both a scorer and facilitator. He also came up with a clutch floater to give them a four-point lead late in the fourth quarter. SGA will be an integral piece for Canada throughout the Olympics, and he should continue to put up big numbers in each game.

The All-NBA first team offered no surprises, including the top four vote-getters for Most Valuable Player. Jokic, who won his third MVP in four seasons, led the way, with Gilgeous-Alexander, Doncic, and Tatum next. Rounding out the squad was Antetokounmpo, named All-NBA for the eighth time in his career. SGA earned All-NBA first-team honors for the second straight season. He and Jokic were the only unanimous selections.

Gilgeous-Alexander’s foul of PJ Washington on a 3-point attempt proved to be the difference in Game 6, as the Mavericks forward hit two free throws with 2.5 seconds remaining to end the series. That final play should not take away from SGA’s performance throughout the series, as the MVP runner-up was outstanding. As for Gilgeous-Alexander’s fantasy season, he was all that managers hoped he would be. SGA provided top-5 per-game value, which is unlikely to change anytime soon. While Victor Wembanyama is viewed by many as the player who should be selected first in drafts next fall, SGA should be, at worst, a top-5 pick.

Gilgeous-Alexander had another big scoring night, as he’s scored at least 29 points in all five games in this series. However, he didn’t have as much help as needed, with Chet Holmgren (13/4/1/0/1 with one 3-pointer) being the best of the rest. Dallas is making SGA work, but he continues to get his numbers. Whether or not the Thunder can force a Game 7 on Saturday night depends on whether SGA’s supporting cast increases its production.

This was an important game for the Thunder to win to be able to reclaim homecourt advantage and avoid a 3-1 hole in the series. With the pressure at its highest, OKC’s superstar rose to the occasion. He has been spectacular all series, and he once again put the team on his back. From the six minute mark to the four minute mark in the fourth quarter, SGA singlehandedly went on an 8-2 run to tie the game, and he had three assists after that to help seal the win. They’ll head back home for Game 5 on Wednesday as they look to take a 3-2 lead.

Gilgeous-Alexander recorded another gaudy stat line, but his offensive production tailed off during the second half. It’s possible that getting poked in the eye during the third quarter had something to do with this, as SGA shot 1-of-6 from the field in the fourth. Gilgeous-Alexander still played 42 minutes on the day, so DFS players and bettors should not be too concerned regarding his potential availability for Game 4 on Monday. That said, the other Thunder starters need to up their offensive production, as none of the four scored more than 16 points in Game 3.

Gilgeous-Alexander recorded a high-level stat line in Game 2, but the lack of offense from players other than him and Jalen Williams was too much to overcome. SGA, who finished second in the NBA MVP voting, has surpassed the 30-point mark twice in six games this postseason, with Thursday’s effort being his first since Game 2 of OKC’s first-round series against New Orleans. Gilgeous-Alexander will get his numbers, and he’s been efficient in this series’ first two games. How far the Thunder plays into the postseason will depend on how consistent his supporting cast is. Game 3 is on Saturday afternoon in Dallas.