Friday Bolts: The SGA Trade

Daily Thunder Staff -

Coming into last night's game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Los Angeles Clippers, there was a lot of press revisiting the trade between the teams that led to Paul George in LA and SGA in OKC.

This reminded me of a tweet I dropped almost two years ago...

With more in-depth analysis, Shaun Powell (NBA.com) examines how the blockbuster SGA-PG trade looks today.

The Thunder still haven’t cashed in all those picks, and even if those picks fizzle, George straight up for Gilgeous-Alexander seems in OKC’s favor. 
How the Paul George, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander trade looks now for Clippers, Thunder
The offseason blockbuster trade of Paul George for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in 2019 is still being felt by both teams.
NBA.comShaun Powell

In case you missed it, Russell Westbrook plays for the Clippers. But if you missed it, the fans at the Paycom Center certainly did not. The organization's most beloved player got a hero's welcome when he checked into the game last night.

Postgame, both Westbrook and James Harden were complimentary of OKC.

And now it's time for the weekly "Shai is really good" section of the Bolts.

In an MVP straw poll conducted by ESPN, SGA came in fourth.

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ESPNTim Bontemps

With offensive weapons like SGA, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren, the team's offense has been humming. But the defense has also taken a leap this years. John Schumann (NBA.com) highlights OKC among the league's 5 most improved defenses over last season.

NBA Storylines: Rockets, Timberwolves among 5 most improved defenses
Breaking down how the Rockets, Wolves, Magic, Blazers and Thunder have all raised their defensive skills this season.
NBA.comJohn Schuhmann

In his latest power rankings, Zach Harper (The Athletic) identified 5 teams he considers title contenders. Among those 5? The Oklahoma City Thunder.

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Zach Harper has a wish-list item for the Thunder, Nuggets and every other team. What could yours use?
The AthleticZach Harper

As a contender, could the Thunder be buyers at the NBA trade deadline? Jake Fischer thinks so.

Could the Thunder finally end up with a broadcast partner that allows fans to watch games without cable or satellite? Maybe...

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David Griffin

Chet Holmgren broke NBA twitter last night with an epic self alley-oop off the backboard.

NBA Twitter reacts to Chet Holmgren’s self-dunk off backboard
NBA Twitter reacts to Chet Holmgren’s self-dunk off backboard.
Yahoo SportsClemente Almanza

Ya'll remember Darius Bazley? He's in the G League now and is putting up some stats.

Don't forget to vote for Thunder players for the NBA All-Star Game.