OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has come a long way from a young prospect GM Sam Presti traded for with the Los Angeles Clippers to an ascending MVP candidate. After Game 1 against the Memphis Grizzlies, where the Thunder defeated their opponent by 51 points, 131-80, Gilgeous-Alexander took a moment to reflect on his growth with Oklahoma City.

When a reporter mentioned Thunder GM Sam Presti gesturing Gilgeous-Alexander’s intelligence from the crowd during Game 1, Shai shared how Presti impacted SGA’s growth throughout his time in Oklahoma City.

“Sam specifically, and the organization, has given me a runway to figure it out, and kind of just feel it out throughout my career — I think that’s why I’m the player I am today,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “I had a clean runway. I didn’t have to worry about making mistakes. I could just trust my work and learn from my experiences. So, yeah, he has a big part.”

Thunder GM Sam Presti watched Gilgeous-Alexander finish with 15 points, five assists, three rebounds, and two blocks. Aaron Wiggins’ 21 points off the bench led six players in double figures. Chet Holmgren (19 points, 10 rebounds) notched a double-double, and Isaiah Hartenstein added 15 points, five assists, and two blocks in Sunday’s win against the Grizzlies.

Mark Daigneault on Grizzlies’ Game 2 despite Thunder blowout

Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault gestures to his team during a play against the Memphis Grizzlies in the second half at Paycom Center
Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault is prepared for a different Grizzlies team in Game 2 on Tuesday. Daigneault is anticipating a much stronger opponent after Sunday’s 51-point blowout win, which followed the Grizzlies’ 120-106 win against the Mavericks on Friday.

Article Continues Below
More Thunder News
Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander hugs Oklahoma City Thunder executive vice president and general manager Sam Presti after their team defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves in game five of the western conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center with Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault in the background
Mark Daigneault says Sam Presti relationship influenced Thunder successJosue Pavon ·
Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault celebrates with his team after defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves in game five to win the western conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center
Mark Daigneault reveals Thunder’s no-expectation ‘process’ before NBA FinalsJosue Pavon ·
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives against Minnesota Timberwolves guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (9) in the fourth quarter during game one of the western conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center.
Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander earns major endorsement from ex-teammateAlex House ·
Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35), center Kendrick Perkins (5) and guard Reggie Jackson (15) talk against the Orlando Magic during the second quarter at Amway Center
Kendrick Perkins dishes on why 2025 Thunder is best in franchise historyJosue Pavon ·
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) celebrates with Magic Johnson West Conference Finals MVP trophy after defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves in game five to win the western conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center.
Nick Wright’s ‘all-time’ take will catch Thunder’s fans’ attentionMalik Brown ·
Mavericks guard Klay Thompson (31) hugs Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) after a game at the Chase Center
Warriors’ Draymond Green relives Klay Thompson’s epic Game 6 vs. ThunderJosue Pavon ·

Daigneault discussed why he isn’t looking too deep into the Thunder’s historic win in Game 1.

“We did a good job tonally to start the game. We were ready to play, thought we were tight in our stuff, and like I said, set a good, but they played 36 hours ago, and had an emotional game,” Daigneault said. “Had to turn around and play at noon today, which is a really tough turnaround. So, they’re going to be better Tuesday. I thought we did a really good job, but I don’t think we can expect that from them. They’re going to play a lot better than that.

“They’re going to be fresher. They’re big-time competitors. So, we need to be ready to play on Tuesday,” Daigneault concluded.

Thunder All-Star Jalen Williams shared a similar take on the Grizzlies’ effort on Sunday.

“They just played like 36 hours ago,” Williams said. “So, they’re kind of coming in here. Still have to take a little bit of this win, with like, they’re going to be way better Game 2.”

Thunder will host the Grizzlies in Game 2.