With the calendar turning to November, only one NBA team remains undefeated: the Oklahoma City Thunder. As defending champions, the Thunder’s path to back-to-back titles was not easy. From the jump, OKC bent but did not break; seven teams have tried but failed to put a dent on their record. And at the heart of this strong start has been Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. 

With Jalen Williams still sidelined following right wrist surgery and Chet Holmgren getting his annual medical trip to the sidelines, Gilgeous-Alexander put the Thunder’s campaign on his shoulders. 

Of course, he had help from the likes of Ajay Mitchell, Aaron Wiggins, Isaiah Hartenstein, and Lu Dort, but it was clear OKC ran through their franchise cornerstone. Gilgeous-Alexander has been on a tear that has placed him in the company of the game’s legends, and regardless of who has been ahead of him, he continues to go all out. 

Never mind that the New Orleans Pelicans are the only winless team in the Western Conference; a game still needed to be won. Gilgeous-Alexander was patient in how he dissected the Pelicans defense. He found ways to remain effective but kept the defense guessing by getting his Thunder teammates involved. Of course, we can’t forget the Canadian’s ability to get his own points by hook or by crook. It’s a devastating and a frustrating process for his opponents, as figuring out a way to stop Gilgeous-Alexander only ends up rewarding him a trip to the free throw line. 

It was the same story when OKC took on the Los Angeles Clippers, who put up a fight, but again succumbed to the same fate as New Orleans. 

Gilgeous-Alexander had his usual 30 points, but it was the 12 assists that stood out because of how it led to seven of his teammates scoring at least eight points. Against a more stacked squad in the Clippers, Gilgeous-Alexander had more help but he nonetheless remains the engine of the offense. 

Victor Wembanyama has been on another level (even with his “dud” of a performance against the Phoenix Suns) while a slimmer Luka Doncic has the Los Angeles Lakers looking like contenders. Those have drawn some MVP conversations, but their type of dominance is quite different from that of Gilgeous-Alexander. Wembanyama strikes fear with his imposing presence and Doncic has been tough to guard. However, Gilgeous-Alexander’s impact comes in waves and can feel like an avalanche when all is said and done. 

A jumpshot and a layup here and there may be worth a couple of points, but when they come in droves, Gilgeous-Alexander not only has an easy 30 points, but before you know it, OKC may very well be coasting to victory. It could thus be hard to unseat Gilgeous-Alexander. He and the Thunder have managed to survive his first few rounds of adversity and in other contests, he’s been downright dominant. 

If Shai Gilgeous-Alexander keeps this pace up, we could be looking at a career year for the reigning NBA Finals MVP. The likes of Victor Wembanyama and Luka Doncic are putting up strong challenges and making their respective cases. However, it may take more than that to take down Gilgeous-Alexander as mant have come at the king and so far, it’s all been swings and misses.