<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba-mvp-mondays-24-25-giannis-shai-gilgeous-alexander-nba-cup-tighten-race');   ga('set', 'title', 'NBA MVP Mondays: Giannis, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander use NBA Cup to tighten race');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/NBA-MVP-Mondays-Giannis-Shai-Gilgeous-Alexander-use-NBA-Cup-to-tighten-race.jpg"></figure><h1>NBA MVP Mondays: Giannis, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander use NBA Cup to tighten race</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-12-23T15:00:53-08:00">December 23rd, 3:00pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-12-23T15:10:23-08:00">December 23rd, 3:10pm</time><address><a>Brett Siegel</a>Brett Siegel joined ClutchPoints as a credentialed NBA insider and reporter in May 2023 after previously covering the NBA for Fastbreak on FanNation and NBA Analysis Network, as well as working with Louisville Basketball. From playing to coaching to covering the game as a media member, Brett has been involved with the game of basketball from many different perspectives. Breaking the news of various free agent signings, yearly NBA Draft news and other key stories around the league, Brett is always on the phone, getting the latest news and rumors around the NBA. Be sure to follow him on Twitter @BrettSiegelNBA.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Editorials</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>With the NBA Cup wrapping up last week in Las Vegas, there were no NBA MVP rankings. Now that an in-season tournament champion has been named, this MVP race is suddenly closer than it was when December began. This has been Nikola Jokic’s race to lose for quite some time, but what Giannis Antetokounmpo and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander have accomplished, especially regarding their NBA Cup championship game, can’t be overlooked.</p><p>It was Giannis and the Milwaukee Bucks who handled Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder to win the 2024 NBA Cup. Although the stats don’t officially count, which is the dumbest thing, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/bucks-news-giannis-antetokounmpo-makes-promise-nba-cup">Antetokounmpo put together one of his best performances of the season</a> while claiming the NBA Cup for the Bucks.</p><p>In this game, the two-time MVP recorded 26 points, 19 rebounds, 10 assists, three blocks, and two steals in 37 minutes while shooting 10-of-19 from the floor. He was aggressive when he needed to be, and Giannis looked like the best player in the league against the Thunder, who some would argue are the best team in the NBA right now. This performance surely turned many people’s heads regarding the NBA MVP race, and even Tim Bontemps of ESPN can attest to this with <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/43060049/nba-mvp-straw-poll-where-jokic-giannis-sga-more-stars-rank" rel="noopener">his latest MVP straw poll.</a></p><p>Even with Antetokounmpo stealing the spotlight during the NBA Cup, Gilgeous-Alexander’s accomplishments during this tournament have also increased his positioning in the MVP race. Although he struggled to shoot against the Bucks, as did everyone on the Thunder, SGA recorded a 32-point, eight-rebound, six-assist performance against the Houston Rockets in the NBA Cup semifinals. Leading Oklahoma City to the championship game is a major accomplishment for the 26-year-old.</p><p>While Jokic still appears to hold the upper hand, Giannis and SGA are making this NBA MVP race very interesting as we prepare for the calendar to flip over to 2025.</p><p><i><b>Previous 2023-24 NBA MVP Rankings: <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba-mvp-mondays-24-25-luka-doncic-rejoins-top-5-nikola-jokic-insane-numbers">Week 7</a> | <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba-mvp-mondays-24-25-nikola-jokic-leads-giannis-antetokounmpo-jayson-tatum">Week 6</a> | <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba-mvp-mondays-24-25-giannis-antetokounmpo-charges-back-into-race">Week 5</a> | <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba-mvp-mondays-24-25-nikola-jokic-overtakes-jayson-tatum-anthony-davis">Week 4</a> | <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba-mvp-mondays-24-25-nikola-jokic-dominance-overlooked">Week 3</a> | <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba-mvp-mondays-24-25-shai-gilgeous-alexander-leads-jayson-tatum-anthony-davis">Week 2</a> | <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba-mvp-mondays-24-25-jayson-tatum-dominance-celtics-title-chances">Week 1</a></b></i></p><h2><b>1. Nikola Jokic – Denver Nuggets</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Nikola-Jokic-warming-up-1.jpg"><figcaption>Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p><i>Previous ranking: #1</i></p><p><i>2024-25 season stats: 23 games, 30.9 points, 13.0 rebounds, 9.8 assists, 1.7 steals, 56.3 FG%, 50.5 3P%</i></p><p>The only reason the Nuggets are 15-11 is because Nikola Jokic has put the team on his back and led them to a one-point win against the Sacramento Kings, as well as a three-point overtime win against the New Orleans Pelicans recently. If it wasn’t for Jokic, the Nuggets may be in the same position as the Pelicans near the bottom of the West standings.</p><p>Jokic currently leads the NBA in triple-doubles (11) and ranks second in scoring behind only Antetokounmpo. As long as he is practically averaging a triple-double on the season and the Nuggets remain near the top of the West standings, it will be hard to argue that Jokic shouldn’t be the MVP, especially since he may be the <i>most valuable player </i>in the league when it comes to how much his presence means to Denver.</p><h2><b>2. Giannis Antetokounmpo – Milwaukee Bucks</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Giannis-dribbling.jpg"><figcaption>Ken Blaze-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p><i>Previous ranking: #2</i></p><p><i>2024-25 season stats: 24 games, 32.7 points, 11.6 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 1.5 blocks, 61.3 FG%</i></p><p>When the Bucks were 2-8 and sitting at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, there was plenty of talk about this organization needing to tear everything down. Now that the Bucks are 15-12, they are on the cusp of becoming a top-four team in the East, and this is all because of what Giannis has accomplished on the court.</p><p>Aside from leading the league in scoring, Giannis leads everyone in shots made (307), ranks sixth in rebounding, 11th in blocks per game, and first in player efficiency rating. This metric usually helps dictate who wins the MVP award, at least over the last few seasons, so this could be a telling statistic for Antetokounmpo vs. Jokic.</p><p>As long as Giannis leads the league in scoring and keeps the Bucks surging up the standings, his MVP case will only grow.</p><h2><b>3. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – Oklahoma City Thunder</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Shai-Gilgeous-Alexander-dribbling-1.jpg"><figcaption>Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p><i>Previous ranking: #4</i></p><p><i>2024-25 season stats: 27 games, 30.3 points, 6.2 assists, 5.5 rebounds, 2.0 steals, 1.0 blocks, 50.8 FG%, 33.5 3P%</i></p><p>The Thunder are currently 22-5 this season and have <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/thunder-news-shai-gilgeous-alexander-says-no-excuse-mentality-led-winning-streak">technically only lost once in their last 12 games</a> since the NBA Cup championship game doesn’t count towards their record. In 27 games, Gilgeous-Alexander has recorded 30 or more points 14 different times. Only Giannis has done so more times this season.</p><p>What is even more impressive about Gilgeous-Alexander’s numbers is that he’s scored below 20 points only once. He has also scored below 25 points only once in his last 17 games, not including the NBA Cup championship. When it comes to scoring and commanding his team’s offense, SGA has been the best player in the league.</p><p>Without Chet Holmgren, Gilgeous-Alexander has put the Thunder on his back and elevated the team to new heights. They may be undersized and inexperienced, but his leadership is the reason why Oklahoma City has gone from a feel-good story to being the favorite in the Western Conference.</p><h2><b>4. Jayson Tatum – Boston Celtics</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Jayson-Tatum-dribbling-2.jpg"><figcaption>Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p><i>Previous ranking: #3</i></p><p><i>2024-25 season stats: 26 games, 28.8 points, 9.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 1.2 steals, 46.3 FG%, 37.2 3P%</i></p><p>At this point, there’s nothing Jayson Tatum can do anymore to prove that he is a legitimate MVP candidate. Aside from how good the Boston Celtics are, Tatum is nearly averaging a double-double this season and just below 30 points per game scoring. Tatum has done enough talking about why he should be MVP, which is why <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/celtics-news-joe-mazzulla-kristaps-porzingis-jayson-tatum-mvp-pr-him">Joe Mazzulla and Kristaps Porzingis have increased their efforts for Boston’s star.</a></p><p>“Yeah, no question. 100 percent. It does because I think he’s been doing it for such a long time, and he’s on a really good team,” Mazzulla said recently of Tatum’s greatness interfering with his MVP campaign. “I think that hurts him sometimes, but his ability to do what he does on a great team, I think, says more about who he is as a player. But, yes, for sure.”</p><p>Porzingis agreed with Mazzulla’s comments, even saying that Tatum isn’t a “PR player” in the sense that “he doesn’t do everything for PR.” Tatum has been great on both sides of the court this season and deserves more respect in this MVP discussion.</p><h2><b>5. Luka Doncic – Dallas Mavericks</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Mavericks-Luka-Doncic-after-scoring-against-the-Warriors.jpg"><figcaption>Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p><i>Previous ranking: #5</i></p><p><i>2024-25 season stats: 20 games, 28.9 points, 8.6 rebounds, 8.2 assists, 2.1 steals, 45.9 FG%, 35.5 3P%</i></p><p>Whether or not Luka Doncic can truly be in the NBA MVP race depends on his health and the Dallas Mavericks’ ability to remain at the top of the Western Conference standings. Regardless of statistics, whoever has a better record at the end of the season between Gilgeous-Alexander, Jokic, and Doncic will surely hold significant weight.</p><p>In regards to health, Doncic has missed eight games this season. He must play in at least 65 games to be eligible for MVP, which means Doncic is only allowed to miss nine more games this year. The Mavs star has been banged up at times this year and could inch dangerously close to this eligibility number.</p><p>Three triple-doubles in his last four games, including a 45-point triple-double in a 143-133 win against the Golden State Warriors, is why Doncic is inside the top five of the NBA MVP rankings.</p><h2><b>Just missing the cut</b></h2><p>6. Karl-Anthony Towns – New York Knicks (Ranked No. 7 last week)</p><p>7. Victor Wembanyama – San Antonio Spurs (Ranked No. 10 last week)</p><p>8. Anthony Davis – Los Angeles Lakers (Ranked No. 6 last week)</p><p>9. Kevin Durant – Phoenix Suns (Ranked No. 8 last week)</p><p>10. Donovan Mitchell – Cleveland Cavaliers (Unranked last week)</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

NBA MVP Mondays: Giannis, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander use NBA Cup to tighten race

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/thunder-news-shai-gilgeous-alexanders-honest-admission-not-playing-christmas');   ga('set', 'title', 'Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s honest admission on Thunder not playing on Christmas');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Thunder-news-Shai-Gilgeous-Alexanders-honest-admission-on-OKC-not-playing-on-Christmas.jpg"></figure><h1>Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s honest admission on Thunder not playing on Christmas</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-12-23T14:30:01-08:00">December 23rd, 2:30pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-12-23T14:30:01-08:00">December 23rd, 2:30pm</time><address><a>Josue Pavon</a>Josue Pavon is an Associate Editor and the Oklahoma City Thunder beat writer for ClutchPoints. He started his career as a credentialed media member writing about the Boston Celtics for WEEI.com in Boston, where he grew into a local on-camera NBA reporter and podcast host for CLNS Media. Alongside the Celtics radio broadcaster and two-time NBA champion Cedric Maxwell, Josue is the co-host of the Cedric Maxwell podcast.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Despite leading the Western Conference standings and ascending to becoming a championship contender, MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder are not playing on Christmas Day. The association will showcase its best marquee matchups. Amid <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/thunder-news-shai-gilgeous-alexander-says-no-excuse-mentality-led-winning-streak">Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder’s seven-game winning streak</a>, a reporter asked the All-NBA guard his thoughts on Oklahoma City being left off the Christmas Day slate of games.</p><p>Gilgeous-Alexander was <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTeRv46e02o&amp;t=100s" rel="noopener">honest</a> in his response.</p><p>“Disappointed for sure,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “I’d love to play on Christmas Day and I think we’re that caliber of a team. The NBA makes [its] decisions; you can’t slight them for it. The ball’s in our court to prove to them why we deserve to play on that day. And we have a whole 82 games season and the playoffs to do so.”</p><p>Given how the Thunder have dominated the Western Conference, holding down the top spot for most of 2024-25, it’d be a shock not to see them left off one of the five games on tap for Christmas Day.</p><h2><b>Shai Gilgeous-Alexander says ‘no excuses’ led to Thunder streak</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Thunder-All-Star-Shai-Gilgeous-Alexander_de2b26.jpg"><figcaption>Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Despite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and the Oklahoma City <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/thunder-news-jalen-williams-sounds-off-grueling-schedule" rel="noopener">Thunder’s grueling travel schedule recently</a>, back-to-back wins against the Orlando Magic and Miami Heat extended their winning streak to seven straight. For Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder’s ‘no excuses’ mantra led to the focus they needed to seal a pair of single-margin victories after losing the NBA Cup finals to the Milwaukee Bucks. </p><p>In the likely scenario of Thunder picking up a “scheduled” loss, as many teams face throughout the 82-game regular season, Gilgeous-Alexander didn’t want that for his team and did everything in his power to avoid it.</p><p>“We didn’t want to make an excuse,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “We, I like to say, have the best jobs in the world. It sounds crazy, but it’s a little bit spoiled. We played basketball two nights in a row and got paid to do so. It’s so insane. Do you know what I mean? We have an amazing opportunity. We’re blessed to be in this position, and personally, I love playing basketball. So, I didn’t see the opportunity as insane, I saw it as something I get to do, and I love it.”</p><p>Williams scored a season-high 33 points on 12-of-25 attempts, including 5-for-7 from the free-throw line. Gilgeous-Alexander added 25 points, seven rebounds, and four assists. The Thunder will look to extend their winning streak to eight when they host the Wizards on Monday.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s honest admission on Thunder not playing on Christmas

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/thunder-news-shai-gilgeous-alexander-says-no-excuse-mentality-led-winning-streak');   ga('set', 'title', 'Shai Gilgeous-Alexander says Thunder’s ‘no excuse’ mentality led to winning streak');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Thunder-news-Shai-Gilgeous-Alexander-says-OKCs-no-excuse-mentality-led-to-winning-streak.jpg"></figure><h1>Shai Gilgeous-Alexander says Thunder’s ‘no excuse’ mentality led to winning streak</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-12-23T06:17:35-08:00">December 23rd, 6:17am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-12-23T06:17:35-08:00">December 23rd, 6:17am</time><address><a>Josue Pavon</a>Josue Pavon is an Associate Editor and the Oklahoma City Thunder beat writer for ClutchPoints. He started his career as a credentialed media member writing about the Boston Celtics for WEEI.com in Boston, where he grew into a local on-camera NBA reporter and podcast host for CLNS Media. Alongside the Celtics radio broadcaster and two-time NBA champion Cedric Maxwell, Josue is the co-host of the Cedric Maxwell podcast.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander took the opportunity to remind reporters of the blessed life he’s living as an NBA star. Despite the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/thunder-news-jalen-williams-sounds-off-grueling-schedule">Thunder’s grueling regular-season schedule of late</a>, Gilgeous-Alexander put things into perspective following Oklahoma City’s back-to-back wins against the Magic and Heat. He says his team embraced the challenge of traveling from Las Vegas to Florida, not wanting to make any excuses as to why their regular-season winning streak ended.</p><p>The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/thunder-news-jalen-williams-disappointed-take-losing-nba-cup-bucks">Thunder’s NBA Cup loss to the Bucks</a> does not count toward the regular season, granting the Western Conference’s No. 1 team the opportunity to stretch their five-game winning to seven on a back-to-back set in Florida. After beating the Magic 105-99, they followed up with a 104-97 win against the Heat.</p><p>After the win, Gilgeous-Alexander <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTeRv46e02o&amp;t=100s" rel="noopener">talked</a> about his mindset heading into the challenge.</p><p>“We want to make an excuse,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “We, I like to say, have the best jobs in the world. It sounds crazy, but it’s a little bit spoiled. We played basketball two nights in a row and got paid to do so. It’s so insane. Do you know what I mean? We have an amazing opportunity. We’re blessed to be in this position, and personally, I love playing basketball. So, I didn’t see the opportunity as insane, I saw it as something I get to do, and I love it.”</p><p>But where does that perspective come from?</p><p>“I think it’s my parents raising me,” Gilgeous-Alexander replied. “Humility and being humble was like always the first thing. And just being grateful for the opportunity. So many people in the world don’t have the same opportunities that I’ve had as a kid growing up, and I do today. And not to say my life has been perfect by any means, but it’s been better than a lot always to be grateful.</p><p>“And if you look at life through that lens, usually good things happen to you, and I think that’s how I got here,” Gilgeous-Alexander concluded.</p><h2><b>Jalen Williams sounds off on Thunder’s grueling schedule of late</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Thunder-All-Star-Shai-Gilgeous-Alexander-next-to-Thunder-forward-Jalen-Williams.jpg"><figcaption>Rhona Wise-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Thunder All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams discussed the grueling schedule after beating the Heat. After the win, Williams delivered his take on the Thunder’s impressive back-to-back wins.</p><p>“We’re some dogs, man. And I don’t mean the barking stuff we do. That is a crazy travel schedule, and Cup games are a little more intense, and obviously, we go down to the wire for both teams,” Williams said. “Miami and Orlando, who are really good defensive teams, and good teams in general.”</p><p>The Thunder will host the Wizards on Monday night.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander says Thunder’s ‘no excuse’ mentality led to winning streak

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/thunder-news-jalen-williams-sounds-off-grueling-schedule');   ga('set', 'title', 'Jalen Williams sounds off on Thunder’s grueling schedule');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Thunder-news-Jalen-Williams-sounds-off-on-OKC-grueling-schedule.jpg"></figure><h1>Jalen Williams sounds off on Thunder’s grueling schedule</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-12-23T05:22:59-08:00">December 23rd, 5:22am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-12-23T07:51:25-08:00">December 23rd, 7:51am</time><address><a>Josue Pavon</a>Josue Pavon is an Associate Editor and the Oklahoma City Thunder beat writer for ClutchPoints. He started his career as a credentialed media member writing about the Boston Celtics for WEEI.com in Boston, where he grew into a local on-camera NBA reporter and podcast host for CLNS Media. Alongside the Celtics radio broadcaster and two-time NBA champion Cedric Maxwell, Josue is the co-host of the Cedric Maxwell podcast.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Amidst losing the NBA Cup finals against the Milwaukee Bucks, Jalen Williams and the Oklahoma City Thunder returned to a brutal stretch in their regular-season schedule. Starting with a four-game west-coast road trip on November 25 to the two-game stretch in Florida, topped by <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/thunder-news-jalen-williams-reveals-how-okc-stuck-together-nasty-back-to-back">Thunder winning back-to-back games</a> against the Magic and Heat, is a lot of miles. They have <a href="https://x.com/NickAGallo/status/1870296492008669219" rel="noopener">traveled</a> 12,500 miles for the 11 games, including Las Vegas, since November 20, per FanDuel Sports Network’s Nick Gallo.</p><p>“The average NBA team travels 41,000 miles during the season, meaning that OKC has traveled nearly 1/3 of a normal 82-game schedule in just 11 games,” Gallo reported.”</p><p>After the game, Williams <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTeRv46e02o&amp;t=100s" rel="noopener">sounded off</a> on the demanding travel schedule, putting things into perspective as the Thunder exuded focus and poise to string together back-to-back wins in Florida.</p><p>“We’re some dogs, man. And I don’t mean the barking stuff we do. That is a crazy travel schedule, and Cup games are a little more intense, and obviously, we go down to the wire for both teams,” Williams said. “Miami and Orlando, who are really good defensive teams and good teams in general. Just finding different ways to win, did a good job executing down the stretch this time, and learned from the Orlando game in spots that we can get better in. I thought we were able to put that into use.</p><p>“That’s the beauty of the NBA; that you play so many games, you get another opportunity to eventually kind of get back at stuff you want to get better at; tonight was one of those nights.”</p><h2><b>Jalen Williams reveals how the Thunder stuck together</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Thunder-forward-Jalen-Williams_82e64e.jpg"><figcaption>Rhona Wise-Imagn Images<b> </b></figcaption></figure><p>Despite the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/thunder-news-mark-daigneault-encouraging-takeaway-nba-cup-loss-bucks">Thunder’s 97-81 NBA Cup finals loss to the Bucks</a>, head coach Mark Daigneault remained positive as his team faced adversity in the high-level regular-season matchup. Perhaps they put forth the lessons learned from losing to the Bucks into back-to-back regular-season victories that go toward their regular-season record, whereas their loss in Las Vegas does not.</p><p>The Thunder followed their 105-99 win over the Magic with a 104-97 victory against the Heat.</p><p>“It was a nasty back-to-back, obviously flying from Vegas,” Williams said, “But just perseverance and maturity, I think this group is getting more and more mature with each other and just understanding what it takes to win on a nightly basis.”</p><p>The Thunder have extended their winning streak to seven straight and improved to 22-5. They have also won nine of their last ten games atop the Western Conference.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Jalen Williams sounds off on Thunder’s grueling schedule

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/thunder-alex-caruso-agree-to-4-year-81-million-contract-extension');   ga('set', 'title', 'Thunder, Alex Caruso agree to 4-year, $81 million contract extension');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/IMG_1122.jpeg"></figure><h1>Thunder, Alex Caruso agree to 4-year, $81 million contract extension</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-12-22T16:33:59-08:00">December 22nd, 4:33pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-12-22T16:33:19-08:00">December 22nd, 4:33pm</time><address><a>David Yapkowitz</a>David Yapkowitz is an NBA Associate Editor at ClutchPoints. He is a credentialed reporter based in Los Angeles who covers the NBA/WNBA, NCAA/NCAAW and boys/girls high school basketball.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Oklahoma City <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/thunder-news-why-are-clear-title-favorite-per-analyst">Thunder are looking like legitimate title contenders</a> this season, and a big reason why has been the addition of Alex Caruso. The Thunder acquired Caruso in an offseason trade with the Chicago Bulls, and they’re keeping him around long-term. The Thunder and Alex Caruso <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1870969883045044626" rel="noopener">agreed to a four-year</a> contract extension worth around $81 million, as per Shams Charania of ESPN.</p><p>Alex Caruso’s new contract extension will keep him in a Thunder jersey through the 2028-29 season. More importantly, it ensures that Caruso bypasses free agency this coming offseason when his current deal was set to expire. He undoubtedly would have been a highly-coveted player on the free agent market.</p><p><a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba-news-bulls-thunder-alex-caruso-josh-giddey-trade">Caruso arrived in Oklahoma City via an offseason trade</a> with the Bulls that sent former lottery pick Josh Giddey to the Bulls. Caruso has fit in perfectly with the Thunder, especially on the defensive end, and his presence off the bench is a big reason why they are title contenders.</p><p>Caruso has appeared in 19 games for the Thunder this season at a little over 20 minutes per game. He’s been averaging 5.7 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.9 steals with splits of 38.5 percent shooting from the field, 27 percent shooting from the three-point line and 77.8 percent shooting from the free-throw line.</p><p>His steals are a career-high. While his shooting percentages are where you want them to be, it’s been offset by his impact defensively.</p><p>He began his NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers on a two-way contract after going undrafted in the 2017 NBA Draft. Caruso spent four seasons with the Lakers, eventually earning a standard contract, and was a key contributor on their 2020 NBA title winning team.</p><p>Caruso spent three seasons with the Bulls and averaged a career-high 10.1 points last year. The Thunder are currently in first place in the Western Conference standings with a record of 22-5.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Thunder, Alex Caruso agree to 4-year, $81 million contract extension

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/thunder-news-jalen-williams-reveals-how-okc-stuck-together-nasty-back-to-back');   ga('set', 'title', 'Thunder’s Jalen Williams reveals how OKC stuck together after ‘nasty’ back-to-back');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Thunder-news-Jalen-Williams-reveals-how-OKC-stuck-together-after-nasty-back-to-back.jpg"></figure><h1>Thunder’s Jalen Williams reveals how OKC stuck together after ‘nasty’ back-to-back</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-12-20T21:04:33-08:00">December 20th, 9:04pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-12-20T21:04:33-08:00">December 20th, 9:04pm</time><address><a>Matty Breisch</a>Matty Breisch is a multifaceted writer who specializes in NFL and WWE content at ClutchPoints. He can be read at Heavy, FanSided, Philadelphia Sports Network, and right here at ClutchPoints. Are you ready to read about football and wrestling? Well, you've come to the right place.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Jalen Williams and the OKC Thunder have been having themselves a week.</p><p>First, they flew out to Las Vegas to take part in the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/thunder-news-jalen-williams-disappointed-take-losing-nba-cup-bucks" rel="noopener">NBA Cup Championship game</a>, losing a weird one to the Milwaukee Bucks 81-97. Then, they shipped off to Orlando for a 105-99 win over the always-tricky Orlando Magic before finally traveling down the Florida Turnpike for a back-to-back date with the<a href="https://clutchpoints.com/jimmy-butler-leaves-thunder-game-early-with-illness"> Miami Heat in South Beach</a>.</p><p>A tough ask? Yes. But for the Thunder, they took it in stride, with Williams’ 33 points helping to lead the way to a 104-97 win over the Heat.</p><p>Asked about the challenge of playing so many important games right in a row after the game, Williams celebrated his teammates for coming together and working together, as he believes <a href="https://x.com/okcthunder/status/1870312560064655853" rel="noopener">they are on the cusp of something great</a>.</p><p>“It was a nasty back-to-back, obviously flying from Vegas,” Jalen Williams said, “but just perseverance and maturity, I think this group is getting more and more mature with each other and just understanding what it takes to win on a nightly basis.”</p><p>Asked about how the Thunder have been able to rally together and attack opposing teams from all over the court, Williams noted that he believes in his teammates, and they believe in him, which makes their ability to come together all the more important.</p><p>“Just to be aggressive and also to trust my teammates to make the right play. Like I said before, we have a lot of good players on our team, so it’s pretty easy to trust what happens. And on our team, what goes around comes back around, so everybody did a good job of that tonight,” Williams explained.</p><p>“Would you believe me that we take it pretty seriously? Down the stretch these are games that we love; just to be able to work on our game, work on the stuff. It’s stuff we do at the end of every practice, late game, and I thought we executed it pretty well.”</p><p>Sitting pretty at 22-5, the best mark in the West, if the Thunder haven’t fully come into themselves from a chemistry standpoint, it’s hard to imagine just how good they can become when that day arrives. NBA, take note: this Thunder team is legit.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Thunder’s Jalen Williams reveals how OKC stuck together after ‘nasty’ back-to-back

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/thunder-news-jalen-williams-endorses-shai-gilgeous-alexander-shoe-release');   ga('set', 'title', 'Thunder forward Jalen Williams endorses Shai Gilgeous-Alexander new shoe release');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Jalen-Williams-endorses-Shai-Gilgeous-Alexander-new-shoe-release.jpg"></figure><h1>Thunder forward Jalen Williams endorses Shai Gilgeous-Alexander new shoe release</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-12-20T15:31:09-08:00">December 20th, 3:31pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-12-20T15:31:09-08:00">December 20th, 3:31pm</time><address><a>Josue Pavon</a>Josue Pavon is an Associate Editor and the Oklahoma City Thunder beat writer for ClutchPoints. He started his career as a credentialed media member writing about the Boston Celtics for WEEI.com in Boston, where he grew into a local on-camera NBA reporter and podcast host for CLNS Media. Alongside the Celtics radio broadcaster and two-time NBA champion Cedric Maxwell, Josue is the co-host of the Cedric Maxwell podcast.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams is excited for his teammate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s new shoe release. Earlier this year, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/shai-gilgeous-alexanders-bombshell-converse-deal-hints-at-signature-shoe">Gilgeous-Alexander hinted at a signature shoe with Converse</a>, the company he inked an endorsement deal with after the 2019-20 campaign after a brief stint with Nike. His first signature sneakers dropped on August 14. However, after the unveiling of Gilgeous-Alexander’s logo, his second drop will cater to his style.</p><p>After Thursday’s win against the Magic, a reporter asked Williams about Gilgeous-Alexander’s newest sneakers. Williams <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sD0XyuldcSo&amp;t=157s" rel="noopener">revealed</a> he’s seen the latest sneakers and is thrilled for Gilgeous-Alexander’s upcoming release.</p><p>“I’ve actually seen the shoe. I saw the shoe a while ago. Extremely excited, well-deserved, obviously, Shai is a creative, and he’s like the guy in the fashion world,” Williams said. “Not many people have a signature shoe. Not many people, what is he? The creative director for Converse? I’m very excited for him to unveil that. He’s worked really hard for it. I’m excited for the world to see that. It’s a really good shoe. So, I’m excited for him.”</p><p>Gilgeous-Alexander expressed Williams’ excitement for releasing his original sneakers without unveiling specifics. However, SGA kept his response short and sweet when opening up about the upcoming release.</p><p>“I’m in love with the shoe,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “I can’t wait for it to come out, and I hope the rest of the world loves it, too.”</p><h2><b>Shai Gilgeous-Alexander pioneers own wave in Converse shoe drop</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Thunder-All-Star-Shai-Gilgeous-Alexander-.jpg"><figcaption>Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Last week, Jalen Williams watched Converse unveiled Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s new logo. A reporter asked about the logo before the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/thunder-news-jalen-williams-keys-defending-giannis-antetokounmpo-nba-cup-final" rel="noopener">Thunder’s NBA Cup final against the Milwaukee Bucks</a>. Gilgeous-Alexander helped design the Converse SGA logo and takes pride in helping roll out the new sneakers. </p><p>He takes pride in doing things in a unique way, and he <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BC0EQswEok&amp;t=345s" rel="noopener">found</a> that platform with Converse.</p><p>“I try to be a pioneer. I try to create my own wave on and off the court. I try to just do things my way. Growing up, I was always taught to be a leader, never a follower. So, that’s kind of instilled in me. Then, I drew the logo and created it myself, and I’m glad it came to life, for sure.”</p><p>Fittingly enough, the Thunder were visiting the Toronto Raptors in Canada, Gilgeous-Alexander’s native country, when the logo was released. It was on a billboard near the arena before the Thunder’s 129-92 win on December 5.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Thunder forward Jalen Williams endorses Shai Gilgeous-Alexander new shoe release

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/bucks-news-brook-lopez-bobby-portis-reveal-scary-giannis-antetokounmpo-fact-after-nba-cup-win');   ga('set', 'title', 'Bucks’ Brook Lopez, Bobby Portis reveal scary Giannis Antetokounmpo fact after NBA Cup win');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Giannis-Antetokounmpo-Milwaukee-Bucks-NBA-Cup-Bobby-Portis-Brook-Lopez.jpg"></figure><h1>Bucks’ Brook Lopez, Bobby Portis reveal scary Giannis Antetokounmpo fact after NBA Cup win</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-12-20T14:26:27-08:00">December 20th, 2:26pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-12-20T14:34:47-08:00">December 20th, 2:34pm</time><address><a>Tomer Azarly</a>Tomer Azarly is in his ninth season as the LA Clippers beat writer and NBA reporter for ClutchPoints. From the Lob City era to the Kawhi Leonard-Paul George era, he brings you everything you need to know about the Clippers as well as coast-to-coast coverage of the NBA.In his off time, Tomer likes to play basketball, video games, and draw.You can follow his Twitter for all Clippers content.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Editorials</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>LAS VEGAS, NV — Giannis Antetokounmpo, Brook Lopez, Bobby Portis, and the Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder to <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/bucks-news-brook-lopez-leaving-las-vegas-500000-draws-hilarious-response">win the NBA Cup</a> on Tuesday night, finishing the job they were unable to last season.</p><p>But this version of Antetokounmpo appears to be different than any we’ve seen of him before. He’s still the dominant “Greek Freak” everyone around the world knows, but the two-time MVP and NBA Finals MVP appears to have improved remarkably at age 30.</p><h2><b>Brook Lopez, Bobby Portis on Giannis Antetokounmpo after NBA Cup win</b></h2><p>Through the first quarter of the season, Giannis Antetokounmpo is averaging a career-high and league-leading 32.7 points per game on a career-high 61.4 percent shooting from the field.</p><p>“He’s just always hungry, he’s never complacent, and he’s never plateaued,” Brook Lopez told ClutchPoints after the Bucks’ NBA Cup win. “He’s the best player in the world and he’s always trying to get better. Every offseason, every day. Aside from all the talent, all the amazing plays he makes, just to see how hard he plays, how he gets on the floor, the way he goes after blocked shots, rebounds, making all the hustle plays. You just have to follow his lead.”</p><p>Through 25 games, Antetokounmpo is taking fewer than one three-pointer per game (0.7) for only the second time in his career, the first of which came in his sophomore season when he took 0.5 per game.</p><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Giannis-Antetokounpo-drives-against-Alex-Caruso-during-the-Bucks-Thunder-NBA-Cup-final.jpg"><figcaption>Kyle Terada-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>However, three-pointers are taking up just 3.5 percent of Giannis’ shots, which is down from 9.1 percent last year and is by far the lowest three-point volume of his NBA career.</p><p>The Bucks’ star also leads the league in points in the paint at 21.5 points per game, which if over four points higher than second place Nikola Jokic at 17.3 paint points per game.</p><p>“I mean, he’s only ever gotten better,” Brook Lopez added to ClutchPoints. “In his career in the NBA and obviously since I’ve been here as well, he’s never gotten complacent, he’s the best player in the world, he’s always trying to reach that next level, and he always does. It’s truly, truly inspirational, its really amazing.”</p><p>Going into this past summer, head coach Doc Rivers told his superstar that he wants to play him more out of the elbow in post-up and face-up situations. The team struggled out of the gate, losing eight of their first 10 games and sending everyone but the team into a frenzy.</p><p>Since then, however, the Bucks have won 13 of their last 16 games, including the NBA Cup final against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Giannis, who has not shot under 50 percent or scored under 20 points even once this season, has been a significant part of the Bucks turnaround.</p><p>Antetokounmpo has been leading the NBA in points in the paint per game for three seasons in a row, and in six of the last eight seasons, but he’s taken a personal jump in each of the last four seasons (<a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/players/misc?Season=2024-25&amp;dir=A&amp;sort=PTS_PAINT" rel="noopener">via NBA.com/stats</a>):</p><p>• 21.5 paint points in 2024-25 (1st)<br>• 20.3 paint points in 2023-24 (1st)<br>• 18.8 paint points in 2022-23 (1st)<br>• 15.9 paint points in 2021-22 (3rd, behind Ja Morant, Nikola Jokic)<br>• 16.7 paint points in 2020-21 (2nd, behind Zion Williamson)<br>• 17.5 paint points in 2019-20 (1st)<br>• 17.5 paint points in 2018-19 (1st)<br>• 15.7 paint points in 2017-18 (1st)</p><p>Additionally, Antetokounmpo is now taking 56.4 percent of his shots from inside of three feet, which is also up for four consecutive seasons. <a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/a/antetgi01.html">According to Stathead</a>, here is Antetokounmpo’s shot volume from 0-3 feet in the last four seasons:</p><p>• 40.6 percent in 2021-22<br>• 48.0 percent in 2022-23<br>• 51.9 percent in 2023-24<br>• 56.4 percent in 2024-25</p><p>It’s also no coincidence that as his points in the paint totals increase over the last four seasons, the volume of three-point shooting by Giannis has also decreased as well. In 2019-20, three-pointers made up 23.7 percent of Antetokounmpo’s shot volume. <a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/a/antetgi01.html" rel="noopener">According to Stathead</a>, that number has decreased significantly year over year since.</p><p>• 23.7 percent in 2019-20<br>• 20.1 percent in 2020-21<br>• 19.4 percent in 2021-21<br>• 13.4 percent in 2022-23<br>• 9.1 percent in 2023-24<br>• 3.5 percent in 2024-25</p><p>Simply put, the Bucks’ star is no longer taking three-pointers and is playing from the elbow as well as in the paint much more.</p><p>Giannis Antetokounmpo admitted that playing out of the elbow is something he’s needed some time to transition into, especially as the team incorporates Damian Lillard more and welcomes back Khris Middleton from injury. But Giannis has seen his success grow throughout the early portions of this season.</p><p>“I’ll be honest, in the beginning, I’ve never initiated my offense from the elbow or from the high post,” Antetokounmpo said after the NBA Cup win. “Usually, it’s in transition or in the screen and roll, so it was kind of a weird transition. I had the conversation with Doc and he told me it can be very, very effective when you’re at the elbow, you’re under the wall. It’s very hard for people to show crowds. And then when they show crowds, it’s easier for you to make that pass and you’re one step closer to the basket.</p><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Giannis-Antetokounmpo-celebrates-after-the-Bucks-Thunder-NBA-Cup-final-1.jpg"><figcaption>Kyle Terada-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>“This whole summer, I was working on that and it’s not only about scoring. There’s levels to it. sometimes, you can facilitate, you can make the hockey assists to [Gary Trent Jr.] for the open three, you can create shots for yourself, you can get to the free throw line, but I think it just allowed me to be a little bit more effective down there and allows me to help my teammates be great. It’s something new for me. I’ve played in the elbow for 25 games. I think I will stay there for the rest of my career because I’m getting better. I’m getting better at it.”</p><p>Both Brook Lopez and Bobby Portis add that Antetokounmpo’s growth has come both on and off the basketball court.</p><p>“He’s just getting better every year,” Bobby Portis also told ClutchPoints after the NBA Cup. “It seems like [he does] every year I play with him. This is my fifth year playing with him now and every year I’ve played with him, I’ve seen him go to another level. Not just on the court, but as a leader. Like I said, my first four years I’ve played, he was more of a lead by example type of guy. Now he’s more of a vocal leader, telling guys what to do, where to be, pouring confidence into his teammates. I love this version of him.”</p><p>The Bucks didn’t celebrate their NBA Cup win with champagne, beer, and goggles like the Los Angeles Lakers did last season. Instead, the team took a very Giannis-like approach, enjoying the moment but remaining focused on the remainder of the regular season.</p><p>Damian Lillard is playing a big part in the Bucks run. Brook Lopez and Bobby Portis know what they need to do in order to win a second NBA Championship.</p><p>But Milwaukee will only go as far as Giannis Antetokounmpo is able to take them, and his newfound usage is already proving to be a difference maker. </p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Bucks’ Brook Lopez, Bobby Portis reveal scary Giannis Antetokounmpo fact after NBA Cup win

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/thunder-news-alex-caruso-honest-admission-how-relates-lu-dort');   ga('set', 'title', 'Thunder veteran Alex Caruso’s honest admission on how he relates to Lu Dort');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Thunder-news-Alex-Carusos-honest-admission-on-how-he-relates-to-Lu-Dort.jpg"></figure><h1>Thunder veteran Alex Caruso’s honest admission on how he relates to Lu Dort</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-12-20T14:12:37-08:00">December 20th, 2:12pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-12-20T14:12:37-08:00">December 20th, 2:12pm</time><address><a>Josue Pavon</a>Josue Pavon is an Associate Editor and the Oklahoma City Thunder beat writer for ClutchPoints. He started his career as a credentialed media member writing about the Boston Celtics for WEEI.com in Boston, where he grew into a local on-camera NBA reporter and podcast host for CLNS Media. Alongside the Celtics radio broadcaster and two-time NBA champion Cedric Maxwell, Josue is the co-host of the Cedric Maxwell podcast.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Before facing the Orlando Magic on Thursday, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso shared his many parallels with fellow veteran Lu Dort. After head coach <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/thunder-news-mark-daigneault-honest-take-lu-dort-contagious-approach" rel="noopener">Mark Daigneault gushed over Dort’s longevity with the team</a> and the leadership that comes with it, Caruso talked about how one of the longest-tenured Thunder players’ paths and style of play is reminiscent of his own. </p><p>It’s one of many reasons Caruso <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0ts92sOOH4&amp;t=313s" rel="noopener">admires</a> Dort’s relentless approach. Dort is an undersized guard who went undrafted in 2019.</p><p>“There’s a pride for sure. Lu kind of had a similar path to me where he kind of had to go two-way and earn it, and now he’s turned himself into one of the most reputable defenders in the league where people know who he is and what he stands for,” Caruso said. “So, just the confidence and the level of swagger, whether offensively or defensively, that he plays with goes a long way with the team.”</p><p>Caruso went undrafted in 2016, showcasing himself on the Philadelphia 76ers’ summer league team before signing with the Thunder and joining their G League affiliate, the Oklahoma City Blue. He then signed with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2017 and was a vital part of their championship run in 2020.</p><p>Caruso averaged 6.5 points, 2.8 assists, and 0.7 blocks in 24.3 minutes per game throughout the postseason.</p><h2><b>Alex Caruso reminisces over Lu Dort defending him in games</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Thunder-guard-Lu-Dort_e8a899.jpg"><figcaption>Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Amid his first season with the Oklahoma City Thunder, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/thunder-news-sam-presti-explains-biggest-hold-up-potential-alex-caruso-contract-extension">Alex Caruso could sign an extension soon</a> as he’s in the final year of his three-year, $36.9 million contract. The Chicago Bulls traded him to the Thunder in exchange for Josh Giddey over the summer, which meant he wouldn’t have to face Lu Dort twice a year anymore.</p><p>Caruso revealed Dort often defended him whenever they played against each other, and things rarely went well on nights he faced the Thunder.</p><p>“Not fun. He makes life miserable for people, and that’s what makes him such a good player,” Caruso said. “I think offensively this year, I’ve been able to see him play a little more.”</p><p>When a reporter asked Caruso if Dort dives for loose balls more than any other player on the team, he jumped into the conversation. Then, he explained how refreshing it is to have a teammate who approaches the game similarly.</p><p>“It’s energizing [when] you see somebody giving up their body for the team [in] game 20 of the season,” Caruso said. “That’s the stuff that I’ve done in my career, and I appreciate. It doesn’t go overlooked.”</p><p>Caruso has the utmost respect for Dort’s hustle.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Thunder veteran Alex Caruso’s honest admission on how he relates to Lu Dort

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba-rumors-spurs-thunder-named-dark-horse-jimmy-butler-trade-suitors');   ga('set', 'title', 'NBA rumors: Spurs, Thunder named dark horse Jimmy Butler trade suitors');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/NBA-rumors-Spurs-Thunder-named-dark-horse-Jimmy-Butler-trade-suitors.jpg"><figcaption>ClutchPoints</figcaption></figure><h1>NBA rumors: Spurs, Thunder named dark horse Jimmy Butler trade suitors</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-12-20T14:03:50-08:00">December 20th, 2:03pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-12-20T14:58:10-08:00">December 20th, 2:58pm</time><address><a>Julian Ojeda</a>Julian Ojeda is an Orlando-based sports journalist with 3 years of professional writing under his belt, specializing in both NBA and NFL coverage. A devoted Orlando Magic fan, he deftly balances fervent fandom with insightful reporting, possessing a keen eye for compelling narratives.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Mini-Editorials</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/latest-jimmy-butler-zach-lavine-nba-trade-rumors-siegels-scoop">trade market for Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler continues to generate speculation</a> as the February 6 deadline approaches. NBA Insider Brett Siegel recently reported that the San Antonio Spurs, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Los Angeles Lakers have been “quietly mentioned” in league circles as potential suitors for Butler, adding to the growing list of teams linked to the six-time All-Star.</p><h2><b>Jimmy Butler’s name gains traction despite agent’s denial</b></h2><p>Over a week ago, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/heat-news-shams-charania-doubles-down-jimmy-butler-reporting-despite-agents-backlash">Butler’s name appeared in a report by ESPN’s Shams Charania</a>, which suggested the Heat might explore trade options for the 35-year-old forward. However, Butler’s agent quickly dismissed these claims. Despite the rebuttal, the rumors persist, with more teams reportedly joining the mix.</p><p>ESPN recently named the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba-rumors-espn-names-nuggets-spurs-wild-cards-path-jimmy-butler-trade">Denver Nuggets and San Antonio Spurs as potential destinations</a>, while Siegel’s latest report adds the Oklahoma City Thunder to the conversation. Initially, the Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks, and Phoenix Suns were the primary teams mentioned in connection to Butler.</p><h2><b>Thunder present intriguing case in potential trade with the Heat</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Shai-Gilgeous-Alexander-2-passes-the-ball-against-the-Orlando-Magic.jpg"><figcaption>© Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>The inclusion of the Thunder in trade rumors creates an intriguing possibility for both Oklahoma City and Miami. Oklahoma City, currently atop the Western Conference standings at 21-5, boasts a strong core led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams. Adding Butler to this mix would elevate the Thunder into serious title contention, providing the playoff experience and leadership they lacked during last season’s second-round exit to the Dallas Mavericks.</p><p>The Thunder have a wealth of assets to offer, with 33 draft picks over the next seven years, including multiple first-round selections. To acquire Jimmy Butler, Oklahoma City would need to package players such as Luguentz Dort, Aaron Wiggins, and Isiah Joe to match Butler’s $48.7 million salary, along with multiple draft picks. Miami could also inquire about Jalen Williams’ availability, though his inclusion in any deal remains uncertain.</p><h2><b>Spurs remain a wild card</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Victor-Wembanyama-1-celebrates-in-the-second-half-against-the-Atlanta-Hawks.jpg"><figcaption>© Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>The Spurs, also <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/43041391/how-jimmy-butler-preferred-trade-destinations-land-him" rel="noopener">named</a> in ESPN’s report, could structure a trade around Keldon Johnson, Malaki Branham, Harrison Barnes, and a 2025 first-round pick. San Antonio, currently sitting at 14-13 and 11th in the Western Conference, is unlikely to contend for a title this season but may view Butler as a veteran presence to pair with rising star Victor Wembanyama.</p><p>Butler’s playoff pedigree, combined with Wembanyama’s development, could position the Spurs for sustained success in the coming years. However, San Antonio’s willingness to part with key assets to acquire Butler remains uncertain.</p><h2><b>Lakers prioritize other targets over Butler</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Lakers-forward-LeBron-James-23-walks-towards-the-team-bench.jpg"><figcaption>© Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>While Siegel included the Lakers in the list of potential suitors, he characterized the possibility as “nothing more than fan fiction.” Los Angeles, currently focused on bolstering its frontcourt and adding two-way wings alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis, is unlikely to take on Butler’s hefty contract at this time.</p><p>The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba-rumors-lakers-3-clear-needs-ahead-of-trade-deadline">Lakers are reportedly targeting other trade options</a>, including Jonas Valanciunas of the Washington Wizards and Brooklyn Nets forwards Cameron Johnson and Dorian Finney-Smith. Johnson and Finney-Smith bring versatility as defenders and floor spacers, while Valančiūnas offers the interior presence Los Angeles needs to complement its star duo. This focused strategy reduces the likelihood of pursuing Butler, given his significant salary and the team’s priorities.</p><p>As trade rumors swirl, the Thunder and Spurs emerge as intriguing dark horse candidates for Jimmy Butler. Oklahoma City’s draft capital and San Antonio’s young assets provide unique opportunities for the Heat, should they decide to move their veteran star. Meanwhile, the Lakers appear to be steering their attention toward other trade options as the February 6 deadline approaches. Butler’s future remains a focal point in ongoing league discussions.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

NBA rumors: Spurs, Thunder named dark horse Jimmy Butler trade suitors

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/thunder-news-jalen-williams-honest-admission-free-throw-shooting-differential');   ga('set', 'title', 'Thunder forward Jalen Williams’ honest admission on free-throw shooting differential');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0Jalen-Williams-honest-admission-on-free-throw-shooting-differential-0.jpg"></figure><h1>Thunder forward Jalen Williams’ honest admission on free-throw shooting differential</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-12-20T13:12:44-08:00">December 20th, 1:12pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-12-20T13:12:44-08:00">December 20th, 1:12pm</time><address><a>Josue Pavon</a>Josue Pavon is an Associate Editor and the Oklahoma City Thunder beat writer for ClutchPoints. He started his career as a credentialed media member writing about the Boston Celtics for WEEI.com in Boston, where he grew into a local on-camera NBA reporter and podcast host for CLNS Media. Alongside the Celtics radio broadcaster and two-time NBA champion Cedric Maxwell, Josue is the co-host of the Cedric Maxwell podcast.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Oklahoma City Thunder head coach <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/thunder-news-mark-daigneault-blasts-refs-shocking-jalen-williams-comparison" rel="noopener">Mark Daigneault expressed his frustration with NBA officials</a> and Jalen Williams after the Thunder beat the Orlando Magic 105-99. Despite scoring 11 points on 5-of-15 attempts, Williams didn’t earn a single free throw in Thursday’s win.</p><p>After the game, he expressed his <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sD0XyuldcSo&amp;t=94s" rel="noopener">frustration</a> after Daigneault’s initial comments.</p><p>“It’s very frustrating. I also don’t let that affect the rest of my game. I think I average like 21-something points with no free throws. So, it’s almost encouraging in a way because when I do get the whistle, I am getting calls; obviously, I can boost my numbers that way,” Williams said. “But, I’m very good at a lot of other things. So, I try to do those in the meantime. Like I said, it’s something that I’m working on.”</p><p>This isn’t the first time <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/thunder-news-jalen-williams-addresses-free-throw-shooting-disparity">Williams has mentioned his free-throw shooting disparity</a>, which he considers a focal point in improving his game in 2024-25. Still, he does his best not to let it impact his game.</p><p>“You can’t let games like this where, and I’m going to avoid a fine, but games like this, where I don’t go to the line, affect the overall trajectory of what I’m trying to do,” Williams added. “We have so many games where I can do it. Just me. I’ll even put the blame on myself; it’s probably just me trying to get a whistle and still finish through contact. But, yeah, it’s just a long process of stuff.”</p><h2><b>Mark Daigneault blasts refs with Jalen Williams comparison</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Thunder-forward-Jalen-Williams-2.jpg"><figcaption>Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault attempted as many free throws as his starting forward Jalen Williams. Williams had a comical response to that.</p><p>“Impressive, huh? I drove a lot more than Mark,” Williams quipped. “We have a good relationship. I know I’m getting hit if Mark is saying something because Mark usually encourages me to go in there and try to get knocked out of the air a little bit, just to kind of practice it. And he’s usually upfront with me when I’m not getting fouled. So, I know there’s a big honesty piece to it. But, again, there’s a lot of other stuff going on the officials have to look at. So, again, it’s just one of those things where I have to figure it out and keep doing what I’m doing.”</p><p>The Thunder will look to make it two straight when they face the Heat on Friday.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Thunder forward Jalen Williams’ honest admission on free-throw shooting differential

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/thunder-news-mark-daigneault-blasts-refs-shocking-jalen-williams-comparison');   ga('set', 'title', 'Thunder’s Mark Daigneault blasts refs with shocking Jalen Williams comparison');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Thunder-news-Mark-Daigneault-blasts-refs-with-shocking-Jalen-Williams-comparison.jpg"></figure><h1>Thunder’s Mark Daigneault blasts refs with shocking Jalen Williams comparison</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-12-20T11:37:14-08:00">December 20th, 11:37am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-12-20T11:37:14-08:00">December 20th, 11:37am</time><address><a>Josue Pavon</a>Josue Pavon is an Associate Editor and the Oklahoma City Thunder beat writer for ClutchPoints. He started his career as a credentialed media member writing about the Boston Celtics for WEEI.com in Boston, where he grew into a local on-camera NBA reporter and podcast host for CLNS Media. Alongside the Celtics radio broadcaster and two-time NBA champion Cedric Maxwell, Josue is the co-host of the Cedric Maxwell podcast.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Mark Daigneault, Jalen Williams, and the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Orlando Magic 105-99 despite not the two taking a single free-throw shot attempt, as the Thunder head coach pointed out after the win. After their All-Star  <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/thunder-news-shai-gilgeous-alexander-shares-eye-opening-take-tradition">Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished his walk-off interview</a>, Daigneault made strong remarks about Williams’ continuous struggles to make consistent trips to the free-throw line.</p><p>Despite consistently driving to the rim for the Thunder, Williams went 0-for-0 from the charity stripe, which <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sD0XyuldcSo&amp;t=94s" rel="noopener">frustrated</a> Daigneault.</p><p>“It was a very frustrating night from that standpoint. Here’s a stat: Jalen Williams and I both shot the same amount of free throws tonight. We both shot zero free throws,” Daigneault said. “And all I did was I called a couple of timeouts, called some ball plays, and clapped a couple of times when we scored. And he was in the throat of the defense for 48 minutes. And we’re encouraging him to be a downhill player. We’re encouraging him to get his athleticism in the game.</p><p>“We’re not asking for it to be rewarded. We’re just asking for it to be met with [the] application of the rules. The way it would be for any other player,” Daigneault concluded.</p><p>Last month, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/thunder-news-jalen-williams-addresses-free-throw-shooting-disparity">Williams addressed his free-throw shooting disparity</a> as a facet of his game that he’s hoping to improve this season. However, he tied a season-low 0-for-0, which last happened against the Houston Rockets in a 126-107 win on November 8. It repeated against the same Magic team the Thunder defeated 102-86 on November 4.</p><p>“I can understand why he’s frustrated. He’s getting it from us developmentally, trying to help him turn into this athletic force in the league. And he’s really trying to do that,” Daigneault said. “Tonight, I thought there were multiple opportunities to go get those plays. So, I was frustrated, and so was he.”</p><p>After averaging 3.1 three-throw attempts last season, a slight dip from his rookie season (3.3), Williams is averaging a career-low 2.5 free-throw attempts per game this year.</p><h2><b>Jalen Williams addresses free-throw shooting disparity</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Thunder-forward-Jalen-Williams_0af921.jpg"><figcaption>Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault knows his forward Jalen Williams is on pace to make his first All-Star appearance but is still trying to add a facet to his game — consistent free-throw shooting — in his third NBA season. When asked about his mid-range touch, Williams addressed his tendency to attack the basket for high-percentage looks and trips to the free-throw line, to no avail.</p><p>“I don’t really go to the free-throw line a lot. A lot of that was predicated on trying to get other shots. That’s an aspect of my game I’m still trying to figure out,” Williams said. “So, it’s just somewhere where I got comfortable.”</p><p>Williams averages 21.3 points on 49.4% shooting, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.9 steals.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

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