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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander · Disciplined in his eating habits, even during the festive holiday season, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander — in the aftermath of November 29, 2024’s must-have victory — acknowledged a plan to limit his cheesecake consumption to just one plate. Given the 15-point final-quarter avalanche that the Oklahoma City Thunder superstar used to overwhelm the NBA’s reigning In-Season Tournament champions, the Los Angeles Lakers were likely left wishing his on-court shot diet followed similar restrictions. Extraordinary throughout the see-saw finish, Gilgeous-Alexander, sensing his chance to extinguish Los Angeles’ repeat hopes in the final minute-and-a-half, sets up his own Black Friday-like shop above the right 3-point wing. Testing Max Christie’s stance with first a series of pivots and jabs, the top-of-the-league two-guard connects on a knockout blow, burying a crowd-quieting triple to put the Thunder ahead by four. Gilgeous-Alexander’s heroics in guiding Oklahoma City’s win created a three-way tie atop the NBA Cup’s West Group B, which the Thunder would clinch days later. Looking the part of the player who finished as last season’s Most Valuable Player runner-up, Gilgeous-Alexander’s concluding tally encouraged 36 points, six rebounds, nine assists, two steals, one block, and three 3-pointers. · State of Mint