The Oklahoma City Thunder kicked off their 2024-25 season with a resounding victory against the Denver Nuggets, securing a 102-87 win on the road. Chet Holmgren and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander showcased their skills, combining for an impressive 53 points while dominating the game on both offense and defense. Holmgren’s ability to outperform three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, along with SGA’s leading score, illustrated the Thunder’s determination and focus under Coach Mark Daigneault’s guidance in their season opener.
In light of the Thunder’s impressive performance, Hall of Famer Charles Barkley, an analyst on Inside the NBA, took the opportunity to commend General Manager Sam Presti for his exceptional talent scouting and draft strategy. Barkley highlighted how Presti has skillfully built a strong roster, emphasizing his foresight in developing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a player the Los Angeles Clippers unfortunately traded away. Barkley didn’t hold back in his criticism of the Clippers for their decision, stating, “Sam Presti knows what he’s doing when it comes to drafting players. They didn’t even draft Shai. The Clippers gave him away. That was stupid.”
Reflecting on the 2019 trade that sent Paul George to the Clippers in exchange for Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari, and several first-round draft picks, it’s evident that Oklahoma City emerged as the clear winner in that deal. The aftermath has left Clippers fans reeling, especially after Paul George’s subsequent move to the Philadelphia 76ers. Despite promises of a championship, his notable achievement with the Clippers remains a single Western Conference Finals appearance in 2021.
Looking ahead, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is poised to be a strong contender for the MVP award this season. Having finished as a runner-up last year to Nikola Jokic, many observers believe that SGA deserved the accolade, particularly given his role in leading the Thunder to the top seed in the Western Conference. With the addition of players like Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein, the Thunder’s chances of clinching the championship have only improved, and fans can expect to see SGA maintain an impressive scoring average close to 30 points per game.
The Thunder’s successful season opener sets a positive tone for what lies ahead, as they aim to compete among the top teams in the league. With a solid roster and strong leadership, the team is well-positioned to make a deep playoff run, reinforcing the notion that Sam Presti’s strategic vision has set the foundation for a promising future in Oklahoma City basketball.
