In a league where superstars often obsess over their box scores and MVP narratives, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is proving to be a different breed. The Oklahoma City Thunder are currently steamrolling through the Western Conference, and following a 131-108 thumping of the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 3, SGA made it clear that he’s perfectly fine with taking a backseat if it means stacking up wins.
The MVP finalist didn't have a “typical” Shai night by his lofty standards on Friday, finishing with 23 points and nine assists. While most players of his caliber would be frustrated by a shooting slump or a dip in production, Gilgeous-Alexander is only focused on the fact that OKC remains a perfect 7-0 in the postseason.
“Obviously hasn’t been my best performance,” Gilgeous-Alexander said after the victory. “I've been able to help the team win, and that's most important. As long as we win. If the rest of the playoff run or the rest of my career look like what it looked like the past 3 games, I’m OK with that.”
SGA: “Obviously hasn’t been my best performance. I've been able to help the team win, and that's most important. As long as we win. If the rest of the playoff run or the rest of my career look like what it looked like the past 3 games, I’m OK with that.” pic.twitter.com/UdFQdo6GsT
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) May 10, 2026
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That selfless mentality is exactly why the Thunder look like a juggernaut. With the Lakers focusing their defensive schemes on neutralizing SGA, other players have flourished in the space. Rookie Ajay Mitchell spearheaded the Game 3 attack with a game-high 24 points, while Jalen Williams chipped in 18 points. The Thunder’s relentless ball movement shredded L.A.'s defense, leading to a blowout that left Crypto.com Arena in a stunned silence.
On the flip side, the Lakers are gasping for air. LeBron James put up 19 points and eight assists, and Rui Hachimura led the Purple and Gold with 21 points, but the effort lacked the defensive bite needed to stop OKC’s track team.
For Gilgeous-Alexander, the stats are a distant second to the status of the series. The Thunder hold a commanding 3-0 lead, and if SGA has to play the role of decoy to secure a sweep on Monday, he’s clearly all in.
In a league where superstars often obsess over their box scores and MVP narratives, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is proving to be a different breed. The Oklahoma City Thunder are currently steamrolling through the Western Conference, and following a 131-108 thumping of the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 3, SGA made it clear that he’s perfectly fine with taking a backseat if it means stacking up wins.