Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Postgame Shade? Thunder Star Shines as Jaylen Brown Falters
In the wake of a dominant Oklahoma City Thunder win over the Boston Celtics, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s social media presence became as buzzy as his MVP-caliber performance. Just a day after leading the Thunder to a 105-92 victory, Gilgeous-Alexander posted an Instagram caption that has fans speculating it was aimed at Celtics All-Star Jaylen Brown.
“Scratching things off my bucket list,” Gilgeous-Alexander wrote. “I can’t go back and forth with somebody that’s bucket-less.”
The clever wordplay, pairing basketball “buckets” with life accomplishments, seemed innocuous until fans considered Jaylen Brown’s rough second half. After scoring 21 first-half points, Brown was held scoreless by Thunder guard Lu Dort, going 0-for-7 from the floor. Oklahoma City’s defense was relentless, holding Boston to a meager 27 points in the second half, including just 12 in the fourth quarter.
Thunder Lock Down Celtics
The Celtics had built a 13-point halftime lead, but the Thunder flipped the script in the second half. Gilgeous-Alexander stuffed the stat sheet with 33 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, three steals, and two blocks, going a perfect 8-for-8 from the free-throw line. Meanwhile, Dort added 14 points, six rebounds, and stellar defense that completely neutralized Brown.
Dort’s defensive switch to start the second half was pivotal. The Thunder guard took it upon himself to guard Brown, adding a layer of physicality that disrupted the Celtics star’s rhythm.
“I kind of did it on my own, honestly,” Dort said after the game. “He had it going. We were switching anyways, and I was like, let me start on him. We just had to stack possessions and finish the game.”
The Thunder closed out with a flurry, including a perfect 3-for-3 showing from deep by Dort in the final two minutes, securing Oklahoma City’s 15th straight victory.
Shai’s Social Media Shade?
While Gilgeous-Alexander’s Instagram caption didn’t name names, the timing of the post had fans speculating it was a subtle jab at Brown’s offensive woes. Whether it was intended as shade or not, it’s clear Gilgeous-Alexander is thriving in the spotlight as the Thunder continue to rise.
The win wasn’t just about individual brilliance. The Thunder defense was suffocating, and their second-half adjustments exemplified why they’ve become one of the league’s most formidable teams.
Thunder Eye Road Success
Following a successful five-game homestand, the Thunder embark on a four-game road trip starting Wednesday against the Cleveland Cavaliers. With Gilgeous-Alexander performing like an MVP and the Thunder clicking on all cylinders, they’ll look to extend their win streak and further cement themselves as championship contenders.
As for the Celtics, they’ll need to regroup quickly. Brown and the rest of the Boston squad were reminded that Oklahoma City is no longer just a young, developing team—they’re a powerhouse capable of making even All-Stars go bucket-less.
