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Tim MacMahon
In Las Vegas, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander conveyed a strong desire for the Oklahoma City Thunder to achieve any records or championships within their grasp.
This ambition extends to potentially chasing the NBA’s 73-win benchmark, previously established by the Golden State Warriors during their 2015-16 season.
When questioned during Friday’s NBA Cup press session about the significance of such a milestone to him and his colleagues, Gilgeous-Alexander responded, “Without a doubt. Success is paramount, regardless of its manifestation for me. Therefore, certainly.”
The outstanding beginning of the reigning champions has recently led to conversations about the Warriors’ achievement in connection with the Thunder. With a 24-1 standing before Saturday’s NBA Cup semifinal against the San Antonio Spurs, Oklahoma City has equaled the 2015-16 Golden State squad for the most successful start ever over 25 contests.
Harrison Barnes, a forward for the Spurs and a key player on that record-breaking Warriors roster, commented that the Thunder appear “likely to surpass” that accomplishment. Yet, he pointed out that striving for the prior record of 72 victories, established by the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls, was taxing for his Warriors team, ultimately leading to their defeat in the NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Gilgeous-Alexander has consistently stated that winning championships holds greater significance for him than pursuing statistical marks. Multiple individuals within the Thunder organization, including Gilgeous-Alexander himself, have highlighted the necessity of ignoring potential diversions, like dwelling excessively on what might happen next.
“Our objective is to continuously improve ourselves each time we step onto the court, and we embrace that approach,” stated Gilgeous-Alexander. “Should we fail to progress this evening, it signifies a missed chance. That’s our perspective on it.”
Oklahoma City’s team has secured 16 successive victories, positioning them nearly at the midway point of the 33-game winning streak achieved by the 1971-72 Los Angeles Lakers.
Gilgeous-Alexander remained unaware of this particular NBA winning streak record until it was brought to his attention during his press conference on Friday.
“Remarkable, that entails many more victories,” Gilgeous-Alexander commented. “Indeed, we are quite distant from that. I wasn’t even cognizant of it, so it hasn’t entered my thoughts. However, we aspire to reach it. That is the aspiration.”
While the NBA Cup semifinals contribute to both the regular-season standings and winning streaks, the final championship match does not.
Last season, the Thunder were defeated by the Milwaukee Bucks in the Cup final, making it the sole trophy Oklahoma City failed to secure. Nevertheless, the team asserts that their prior experience in Las Vegas offers no additional motivation presently.
“Any time there’s an opportunity to compete for an accolade and emerge victorious, triumph is invariably the objective,” Gilgeous-Alexander stated. “The sentiment remains consistent. Thus, winning would undoubtedly be extraordinary.”
Jalen Williams, a forward, further remarked: “If we commit ourselves to any endeavor, we should do so with utmost effort and aim for victory. This aligns with our fundamental character. It’s simply how we approach the game of basketball.”
For the Cup semifinal, the Thunder are set to deploy their desired starting five for the inaugural occasion this season. Following a six-game absence due to a calf strain, center Isaiah Hartenstein has received clearance to participate.
