Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s remarkable MVP-worthy season has hit a snag due to a quad injury, momentarily halting his impressive run leading the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Thunder have been on a spirited campaign, vying for the coveted No. 1 seed in the Western Conference, largely thanks to Gilgeous-Alexander’s stellar performances. The rising star has shone brightly with averages of 30.3 points, 6.3 assists, 5.5 rebounds, and a league-leading 2.1 steals per game.
However, the dynamic guard’s availability took a hit recently, with a quad injury sidelining him from several games. Gilgeous-Alexander sustained the injury during OKC’s win against the Utah Jazz on March 20.
What is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s injury?
During the game, he collided with Jazz forward John Collins’ knee while driving to the basket, immediately hitting the floor in discomfort. Despite finishing the match with a visible limp, he showcased his resilience with an impressive 31 points and seven assists in the victory.
Following the injury, Gilgeous-Alexander managed to play in the next three games, showing his determination. However, he was ultimately forced to sit out against the Rockets on March 27, marking the beginning of his absence.
Since then, the Thunder star has missed three out of four games, with his sole appearance against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Even then, he battled through discomfort, playing 35 minutes and delivering a game-winning shot.
As of the latest update, Gilgeous-Alexander has been ruled out for the upcoming game against the Celtics, signaling a continued period of recovery.
The injury was first reported as a right quad contusion on March 27, with OKC head coach Mark Daignault acknowledging Gilgeous-Alexander’s less than optimal condition.
“He’s banged up, for sure,” Daignault stated on March 26, a day prior to Gilgeous-Alexander’s second missed game of the season. “He’s not 100 percent. We’re monitoring it, but he’s certainly not a hundred percent.”
With Oklahoma City currently tied with the Timberwolves for the second spot in the Western Conference, both teams are in hot pursuit of the top seed, currently held by the Nuggets. The Thunder face the challenging task of balancing Gilgeous-Alexander’s recovery with their ambitions for playoff success.
