Friday Bolts: The SGA Trade

Coming into last night's game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Los Angeles Clippers, there was a lot of press revisiting the trade between the teams that led to Paul George in LA and SGA in OKC.

This reminded me of a tweet I dropped almost two years ago...

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With more in-depth analysis, Shaun Powell (NBA.com) examines how the blockbuster SGA-PG trade looks today.

The Thunder still haven’t cashed in all those picks, and even if those picks fizzle, George straight up for Gilgeous-Alexander seems in OKC’s favor. 

How the Paul George, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander trade looks now for Clippers, Thunder

The offseason blockbuster trade of Paul George for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in 2019 is still being felt by both teams.

NBA.comShaun Powell

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In case you missed it, Russell Westbrook plays for the Clippers. But if you missed it, the fans at the Paycom Center certainly did not. The organization's most beloved player got a hero's welcome when he checked into the game last night.

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Postgame, both Westbrook and James Harden were complimentary of OKC.

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And now it's time for the weekly "Shai is really good" section of the Bolts.

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In an MVP straw poll conducted by ESPN, SGA came in fourth.

‘You play the game to be the best’: The new NBA MVP straw poll, and what Joel Embiid is chasing

Mimicking the league’s actual award voting process, ESPN’s NBA MVP straw poll is back for 2023-24. Which superstars top our early results, and is LeBron on the list?

ESPNTim Bontemps

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With offensive weapons like SGA, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren, the team's offense has been humming. But the defense has also taken a leap this years. John Schumann (NBA.com) highlights OKC among the league's 5 most improved defenses over last season.

NBA Storylines: Rockets, Timberwolves among 5 most improved defenses

Breaking down how the Rockets, Wolves, Magic, Blazers and Thunder have all raised their defensive skills this season.

NBA.comJohn Schuhmann

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In his latest power rankings, Zach Harper (The Athletic) identified 5 teams he considers title contenders. Among those 5? The Oklahoma City Thunder.

NBA Power Rankings: Thunder are contenders; holiday wish list for all 30 teams

Zach Harper has a wish-list item for the Thunder, Nuggets and every other team. What could yours use?

The AthleticZach Harper

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As a contender, could the Thunder be buyers at the NBA trade deadline? Jake Fischer thinks so.

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Could the Thunder finally end up with a broadcast partner that allows fans to watch games without cable or satellite? Maybe...

Report: Amazon Negotiating Partnership With Diamond Sports; Prime Video Could Broadcast OKC Thunder Games

A new deal that’s reportedly underway could have Oklahoma City Thunder games broadcasted on Amazon’s Prime Video soon.

David Griffin

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Chet Holmgren broke NBA twitter last night with an epic self alley-oop off the backboard.

NBA Twitter reacts to Chet Holmgren’s self-dunk off backboard

NBA Twitter reacts to Chet Holmgren’s self-dunk off backboard.

Yahoo SportsClemente Almanza

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Ya'll remember Darius Bazley? He's in the G League now and is putting up some stats.

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Don't forget to vote for Thunder players for the NBA All-Star Game.