Oklahoma City opens game one of its first round Western Conference playoff series Sunday versus Memphis.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander brings the top-seeded Thunder against the eighth-seeded Grizzlies. SGA and Ja Morant will match star power on the floor, but Alexander had to put one conversation to rest before he suits up. The 26-year-old is a three-time NBA All-Star and a two-time All-NBA First Team selection. Alexander took home the league’s scoring title this season, averaging 32.7 points per game. He is the leader in the NBA’s Most Valuable Player conversation; however, he’s focused on winning a title.
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Draymond Green, a four-time champion for the Warriors, said ‘no one fears the Thunder’ in the postseason.
SGA does not have time for Green’s comment as his eyes are locked on something bigger. The former University of Kentucky standout responded to Green’s comments during an availability session with the media.
SGA on players like Draymond saying teams don’t fear the Thunder in the playoffs: “I have zero reaction. I don’t care how much teams fear us. If we win games, I don’t care how much they fear us, like us. None of that matters to me.“ pic.twitter.com/1LV6c4xAQB
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) April 19, 2025
“I have zero reaction,” Alexander said. “I don’t care how much teams fear us. If we win games, I don’t care how much they fear us, like us. None of that matters to me.“
His motivation is capturing a Larry O’Brien trophy as an NBA champion.
Oklahoma City and Golden State may face each other at some point in the playoffs. SGA will get his shot at beating Green soon.
Stephen M. Smith is a writer for Ball Exclusives. You can follow him him X via @CoachingMSmith.
