Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Russell Westbrook Are in the Same Position in the Playoffs, and They’re Both Holding Their Own

Shai Gilgeous Alexander and Russell Westbrook (Image Source: Getty Images)

The Oklahoma City Thunder are having a tremendous first-round playoff series this season, thanks to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and his squad. The OKC have been extremely dominant in their games, controlling the tempo and intensity.

A recent statistical calculation has revealed that OKC star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is holding his ground against nine-time NBA All-Star Russell Westbrook. Westbrook also started his NBA career in Oklahoma City. The Seattle Supersonics drafted him fourth overall in the 2008 draft but later relocated him to Oklahoma City.

Westbrook quickly made a name for himself in the OKC squad. By the time he participated in his third playoff, he was an absolute monster. In his third playoff, the Clippers star averaged 23.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and 1.6 steals.

Shai is in a similar position in his career. The two-time NBA All-Star is also in his third NBA post-season with the Oklahoma City Thunder. He is currently averaging 30.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.0 steals. Shai is far ahead of Westbrook in terms of points scored but falls behind in other aspects. However, both players have significantly impacted the OKC and are poised to become franchise legends in the future.

Chet Holmgreen names Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as the league MVP

The Oklahoma City Thunder proved themselves as the number one seed in the Western Conference after they defeated the New Orleans Pelicans with a dominant scoreline of 124-92. With this win, the OKC secured Game 2 of the playoff series, granting themselves a significant advantage over the series.

During a brief interview with the OKC players after the game, Chet Holmgreen named Shai Gilgeous-Alexander the MVP of the season. “He is too humble to say it, but this is MVP right here. Imma say it for him because he won’t say it,” said Holmgreen. He praised his teammates and called him the league MVP, but he also called him humble for not admitting it himself.