The calendar may have read January 2, 2024 during Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s first test against the NBA’s winningest team, and the scoreboard may have conveyed that it was the first quarter. But knowing all too well that his season’s end goal might hinge on finding ways to upstage the Boston Celtics’ defense, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s approach had Game Seven of the final quarter written all over it. Already resounding in his message, the soon-to-be Most Valuable Player runner-up hunts out his chance to close the first quarter with exclamation, subtly glancing at the play clock in the lead-up to his move. Prepared to render Sam Hauser’s defensive stance nonexistent, the Oklahoma City Thunder superstar threatens a hard, left-handed drive before smoothly planting into a behind-the-back dribble, creating the needed space for a buttery 15-footer. Up to the task in the could’ve-been NBA Finals preview, Gilgeous-Alexander both extinguished Boston’s six-game winning streak while extending his own team’s to five. Always consistent, Gilgeous-Alexander upped his impact even further in the high-profile clash, recording 36 points, six boards, seven assists, one steal, and three 3-pointers. · Jan 3, 2024