NBA news: ‘I didn't achieve what I wanted to’ says Shai Gilgeous-Alexander after playoff exit v San Antonio Spurs
NBA MVP and OKC Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander says that despite admirable individual and team success this season, he didn’t achieve the goal he aimed to achieve this season.
Gilgeous-Alexander: ‘I didn't get where I wanted to go’
"I failed at my goal," Gilgeous-Alexander said, quoted on ESPN.
"I didn't achieve what I wanted to achieve. But I learn the most about myself and make the greatest amount of increases in my career when I fail and don't get what I want.
“I look at this no different. I didn't get where I wanted to go this season.
“There's a reason for that. Now I have to look at that reason and try to make sure it never happens again.
Wembanyama dominance
"There's a guy on their back line that is a little bit different," Gilgeous-Alexander said of San Antonio Spurs superstar centre Victor Wembanyama.
"They funnel everything to him. It's a really good defense. But it's not impossible to score. I just think it's very different."
OKC injury woes
Gilgeous-Alexander missed his running-mate Jalen Williams significantly, particularly considering his mid-range game and perimeter defending from the guard position.
"Obviously I think I could have made an impact," Williams said, who only featured in 54 minutes over the course of the series after struggling with a hamstring injury.
"I think we could have won if I played. Went to seven with them without me playing. I don't think I make us worse.
“That's really my answer to that. But it's also hats off to them. What do you want them to do about me being hurt?"
READ MORE: NBA playoffs news: San Antonio Spurs end OKC Thunder reign after decisive WCF Game 7 win
OKC Thunder potential championship run next season
A healthy Williams would certainly have put the Thunder in a better position to win the WCF, but now the higher-ups at OKC can use the plethora of picks and trade capital they have in their role players to make another championship run next season.
Williams and Gilgeous-Alexander will no doubt remain in the backcourt though.
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