Thunder Highlights: Paul, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Dort, Holmgren Shine

The Oklahoma City Thunder have started the current NBA season with an impressive 23-1 record. This strong performance builds on the foundation laid during the single season Chris Paul spent with the team, which was pivotal for their recent success.

Influential Lessons from Chris Paul

Chris Paul was traded to the Thunder in the summer of 2019. This trade brought him from Houston along with several draft assets, marking the departure of Russell Westbrook. During his time in Oklahoma City, Paul took it upon himself to mentor younger players, particularly Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luguentz Dort.

He often hosted teammates at his home, where they watched NBA games together. These sessions served as valuable learning experiences for the budding stars. Gilgeous-Alexander noted Paul’s influence, stating, “Chris really was the first person to show me what it meant to be a professional.”

Nurturing Professionalism

Paul emphasized the importance of off-court practices like nutrition and physical care. He encouraged a mindset focused on continuous improvement. His approach helped players understand that success involves more than just hard work; it includes developing healthy habits.

• Personalized Support: Paul gifted Dort an iPad for studying game footage and provided him with a subscription to Second Spectrum for analysis.
• Encouragement on Offense: Despite Dort’s struggles with shooting, Paul urged him to keep taking open shots, reinforcing the idea of confidence on the court.

Learning from Defeat

The Thunder’s motivation surged following their defeat to the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA Cup final last year. The loss taught them valuable lessons about the intensity and focus required to succeed at the highest level. Gilgeous-Alexander commented on the impact of this experience, saying, “Losing in general helps all the time.”

He expressed how the team learned to recognize their shortcomings from the championship game, which prepared them to perform better in future playoffs.

Chet Holmgren’s Impact

This year’s impressive performance can also be attributed to the return of Chet Holmgren. After missing significant time last season, Holmgren has emerged as a key player. He has improved his shooting efficiency and has become a critical scorer in various game situations, including transition plays, pick-and-rolls, and post-ups.

Outlook for the Season

As the Thunder continue to dominate, their strong start could influence other teams’ strategies in the league. The prospect of trading for stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo may not seem as attractive, especially for teams in the Western Conference that see the Thunder as serious contenders.

With key figures like Paul, Gilgeous-Alexander, Dort, and Holmgren leading the charge, Oklahoma City is positioning itself among the elite teams in the NBA this season.