The NBA needs rivalries in order to deliver what fans truly want: to be entertained. Aesthetically pleasing basketball can carry that load at times, but viewers simply respond better when two teams, who are competitive and aren’t very fond of each other, go head to head.
That’s what happened on Tuesday night, when the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs squared off. The Thunder finally got revenge for the Spurs knocking them out of the NBA Cup semifinals last month. Victor Wembanyama was held in check, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander did his usual MVP things. SGA was in rare form with the trash-talk, though, showcasing what’s becoming a blossoming rivalry.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ignited Thunder-Spurs rivalry
SGA made it clear that this game was just another in the span of an 82-season. Despite the Thunder losing the last three matchups against San Antonio, Gilgeous-Alexander played it non-chalant, but also took a shot at the Spurs by saying this “wasn’t our Super Bowl“, hearkening back to the NBA Cup.
During the game, Gilgeous-Alexander was also seen chirping at Spurs guard Stephon Castle. Despite last season’s Rookie of the Year putting together a solid stat line of 20 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists, SGA wasn’t feeling his contributions. After drilling a three-pointer in Castle’s face, the reigning MVP let the second-year player have it: “You ain’t s**t!“
Clearly, there’s some lingering resentment from the NBA Cup and the other Spurs wins. The fallout could lead to one of the stronger rivalries in the Western Conference going forward. Both teams are young, hungry and extremely competitive.
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