If you’ve watched a single minute of NBA basketball over the last two years, you know the vibe in Oklahoma City has shifted. It’s not just a "spooky" young team anymore. They are the standard. At the center of that whirlwind is the point guard Oklahoma City Thunder fans have anointed as the franchise GOAT: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Honestly, calling him just a point guard feels like a bit of an undersell. He’s more like a metronome that never misses a beat. He's 6'6", he's got those long limbs, and he plays at a speed that makes everyone else look like they’re stuck in a literal swamp.
People used to argue about who the best floor general in the league was. Was it Steph? Luka? Maybe Jokic, even if he’s a center? But after the 2024-25 season where Shai didn't just win the MVP but carried the Thunder to an actual NBA Championship, the conversation basically ended. He is the guy.
The Evolution of the Point Guard Oklahoma City Thunder Position
Think back to the Russell Westbrook era. It was all fire and brimstone. Russ would run through a brick wall just to prove he could, and usually, he’d take the wall with him. It was chaotic and beautiful.
But Shai? Shai is different. He’s smooth. He’s surgical.
When you look at the current 2025-26 season stats, Shai is sitting at roughly 31.6 points, 6.3 assists, and 4.4 rebounds per game. He’s shooting over 50% from the field as a guard. That’s actually insane. Most guards rely on high-volume threes or getting lucky with whistles. Shai just gets to his spot—usually about 10 to 12 feet from the rim—and sinks a jumper while the defender is still trying to figure out which way he pivoted.
Why the Mid-Range Still Rules in OKC
A lot of "math guys" in the NBA will tell you the mid-range is dead. They want everyone shooting corner threes or layups. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander clearly didn't get the memo.
He’s the league's "Contact Artist." He leads the NBA in drawing fouls and points off drives. But the real dagger is that 15-foot pull-up. It's the most unguardable shot in the league right now because he can get to it from any angle.
The Thunder’s offense isn't built on a traditional "bring the ball up and pass to a wing" system. It’s built on Shai’s ability to collapse a defense. Once he gets into the paint, the entire house of cards falls for the opponent.
Beyond the Stats: The Rotation Reality
While Shai is the undisputed king, the depth behind the point guard Oklahoma City Thunder spot is what makes them so terrifying in 2026. Mark Daigneault—who might be a literal mad scientist at this point—doesn't really believe in rigid positions.
- Ajay Mitchell: The rookie sensation. He’s been providing a massive spark off the bench, often scoring 15+ when Shai takes a breather.
- Cason Wallace: The defensive specialist. If a team has a star guard, Cason is the one who lives in their jersey for 48 minutes.
- Nikola Topić: The wildcard. He’s been dealing with some injury stuff (that groin injury has him out until late February), but his vision is supposed to be elite.
It’s a luxury. Most teams are praying their backup point guard doesn't turn the ball over five times in a row. The Thunder have three or four guys who could probably start for half the teams in the league.
The Hartenstein Factor
You might wonder what a center has to do with the point guard position. A lot, actually.
The addition of Isaiah Hartenstein has changed how Shai operates. Last year, the Thunder were small. They were fast, but they got bullied. Now, with Hartenstein setting massive screens and passing out of the high post, Shai has even more room to operate.
The "SGA-Hartenstein" pick-and-roll is statistically one of the most efficient plays in the NBA this season. It's basically a guaranteed bucket or a trip to the free-throw line.
Is Shai Actually Better Than Westbrook?
This is the question that gets people heated at bars in Bricktown. It’s tough. Russ won an MVP. He averaged a triple-double for what felt like a decade. He put OKC on the map after KD left.
But Shai has something Russ didn't: a title.
Winning the 2025 Finals changed the hierarchy. Shai was the Finals MVP. He didn't just put up numbers; he won at the highest level while being the most efficient high-volume scorer we've seen since prime Michael Jordan.
How to Watch the Thunder Direct
If you’re trying to catch the next masterclass, the Thunder are currently sitting at the top of the Western Conference with a 35-7 record. They play the Miami Heat this Saturday.
Most people get frustrated trying to find games because of local blackout rules. If you're in the Oklahoma market, Bally Sports (or whatever it's called this week) is your main bet, but most of the country is just waiting for those TNT or ESPN Wednesday night slots to see the point guard Oklahoma City Thunder fans are obsessed with.
What’s Next for the Thunder Backcourt?
The goal for the rest of 2026 is simple: the repeat.
With Shai leading the MVP race again—battling it out with Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic—the focus is on health. They’ve had some scares. Shai recently missed a game against Memphis with an ankle tweak, but he came back against Miami and dropped 29 like nothing happened.
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The scary part? Jalen Williams ("J-Dub") is also playing like a borderline All-Star point guard himself. When Shai and J-Dub are both on the floor, the defense is basically playing a guessing game that they’re going to lose.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts
- Watch the Feet: If you want to understand why Shai is so good, don't watch the ball. Watch his footwork in the paint. He uses "pro-hops" and "euro-steps" at a slower tempo than most, which baits defenders into jumping too early.
- Monitor the Injury Report: Keep a close eye on Nikola Topić’s return in late February. If he integrates well, the Thunder’s second unit becomes the best in the NBA by a mile.
- Check the Net Rating: The Thunder currently lead the league in Net Rating (+13.2). This isn't just Shai; it's the defensive synergy between Luguentz Dort and Alex Caruso on the perimeter.
- Value the Mid-Range: For your own pickup games or coaching, stop ignoring the 12-foot jumper. Shai has proven it is the most consistent way to break a modern "drop coverage" defense.
The point guard Oklahoma City Thunder situation is the healthiest it has ever been in the history of the franchise. Whether you're a die-hard Oklahoman or just a fan of elite basketball, enjoy the Shai era. We're watching a future Hall of Famer in his absolute prime.