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SGA has perfect response to Russell Westbrook’s ‘career-ending’ defense as critics round on ‘unfair’ playoffs scheduling
After a woeful Game 2, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander reminded everyone why he is the MVP favorite during Oklahoma City Thunder’s 92-87 Game 3 win over the Denver Nuggets on Sunday. However, the win wasn’t smooth sailing, particularly when Russell Westbrook caused the crowd to erupt after a defensive moment to savor against the Canadian. Westbrook was fired up while defending Gilgeous-AlexanderGetty In a moment that went viral on social media, it looked like Gilgeous-Alexander was about to head home with another loss and an embarrassing moment. The 26-year-old was in isolation with Westbrook and after several step backs and step forwards, he was unable to get past the Nuggets star. Westbrook celebrated the moment as if it was a win and the crowd gave him his flowers with a moment of applause and cheers. “Westbrook ended SGA’s career,” one fan wrote on X. “Westbrook just put Shai in prision,” another fan wrote. Denver were up 69-63 at that moment too after rallying to make a comeback after a dismal first quarter which saw them score just seven points. Despite the best efforts of Westbrook and his side – and an underperforming Nikola Jokic – the Thunder made their own mini-comeback and went on to win the game. That comeback was inspired by Gilgeous-Alexander who scored nine of 25 points in the fourth quarter as he pulled the Thunder from the possibility of being 3-1 down in the series and on the brink of elimination. “We fought,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “We stayed the course … and then we closed the game.” Westbrook has had enjoyed a strong playoff campaign so farGetty In the end Gilgeous-Alexander would get the last laugh as the Thunder won the gameGetty Gilgeous-Alexander can take delight from the fact that despite the viral moment with Westbrook, he once again top scored. This win will serve up a great deal of confidence to a Thunder side who lack experience in the playoffs compared to the Nuggets but head coach Mark Daigneault is confident his side are quick learners. “Every time you take punches and you get back up, you get stronger,” he said. “That’s what we’re preaching to our team. We lost a tough one the other night in overtime. We stood back up today.” The game also sparked scheduling controversy after tip-off was early on Sunday just 36 hours after their Game 3 clash, which went into overtime. The impact on the players was evident too with a ugly first half that saw a combined 25 points in the first quarter. Thunder Star Chet Holmgren was among one of the critics, explaining the game was practically a back-to-back. “This is probably the closest thing you’ll see to a back to back in the playoffs. Late game OT and then come out and play not even a day and a half later. It’s a little bit of being winded out there,” he said. TNT analyst and NBA legend, Charles Barkley also took aim at the tip-off time and also claimed it was an advantage to the Thunder. “I thought what the NBA did to Denver was unfair,” said Barkley. “Making them play late Friday night, then an early afternoon game. I thought that was unfair. I truly believe that.” Kenny Smith explained that “both teams had to do it,” Barkley replied that the Thunder have more depth and use 12 players. “Denver has never addressed their backup center situation or their bench,” Barkley continued. No depth on the Nuggets roster hurt the sideGetty “I think that’s one of the things that hurt them last year. I think that’s one of the things that hurt them last year. ‘Cuz [Nikola Jokic ran] out of gas last year against Rudy and big Kat. Both teams had a rough offensive night too, going 3-for-22 combined in that first half and shot 33.5% overall in the game. That is the lowest combined field goal percentage in a playoff game since Pacers vs. Pistons in 2004. The sides will go again on Tuesday night with the series tied at 2-2.
After a woeful Game 2, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander reminded everyone why he is the MVP favorite during Oklahoma City Thunder’s 92-87 Game 3 win over the Denver Nuggets on Sunday.
However, the win wasn’t smooth sailing, particularly when Russell Westbrook caused the crowd to erupt after a defensive moment to savor against the Canadian.
In a moment that went viral on social media, it looked like Gilgeous-Alexander was about to head home with another loss and an embarrassing moment.
The 26-year-old was in isolation with Westbrook and after several step backs and step forwards, he was unable to get past the Nuggets star.
Westbrook celebrated the moment as if it was a win and the crowd gave him his flowers with a moment of applause and cheers.
“Westbrook ended SGA’s career,” one fan wrote on X.
“Westbrook just put Shai in prision,” another fan wrote.
Denver were up 69-63 at that moment too after rallying to make a comeback after a dismal first quarter which saw them score just seven points.
Despite the best efforts of Westbrook and his side – and an underperforming Nikola Jokic – the Thunder made their own mini-comeback and went on to win the game.
That comeback was inspired by Gilgeous-Alexander who scored nine of 25 points in the fourth quarter as he pulled the Thunder from the possibility of being 3-1 down in the series and on the brink of elimination.
“We fought,” Gilgeous-Alexander said.
“We stayed the course … and then we closed the game.”
Gilgeous-Alexander can take delight from the fact that despite the viral moment with Westbrook, he once again top scored.
This win will serve up a great deal of confidence to a Thunder side who lack experience in the playoffs compared to the Nuggets but head coach Mark Daigneault is confident his side are quick learners.
“Every time you take punches and you get back up, you get stronger,” he said.
“That’s what we’re preaching to our team. We lost a tough one the other night in overtime. We stood back up today.”
The game also sparked scheduling controversy after tip-off was early on Sunday just 36 hours after their Game 3 clash, which went into overtime.
The impact on the players was evident too with a ugly first half that saw a combined 25 points in the first quarter.
Thunder Star Chet Holmgren was among one of the critics, explaining the game was practically a back-to-back.
“This is probably the closest thing you’ll see to a back to back in the playoffs. Late game OT and then come out and play not even a day and a half later. It’s a little bit of being winded out there,” he said.
TNT analyst and NBA legend, Charles Barkley also took aim at the tip-off time and also claimed it was an advantage to the Thunder.
“I thought what the NBA did to Denver was unfair,” said Barkley. “Making them play late Friday night, then an early afternoon game. I thought that was unfair. I truly believe that.”
Kenny Smith explained that “both teams had to do it,” Barkley replied that the Thunder have more depth and use 12 players.
“Denver has never addressed their backup center situation or their bench,” Barkley continued.
“I think that’s one of the things that hurt them last year. I think that’s one of the things that hurt them last year. ‘Cuz [Nikola Jokic ran] out of gas last year against Rudy and big Kat.
Both teams had a rough offensive night too, going 3-for-22 combined in that first half and shot 33.5% overall in the game.
That is the lowest combined field goal percentage in a playoff game since Pacers vs. Pistons in 2004.
The sides will go again on Tuesday night with the series tied at 2-2.
