SGA Is CLUTCH PLAYER OF YEAR | How Ready is OKC Thunder for Game 2
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The Locked On Thunder podcast dives into the Oklahoma City Thunder's dominant Game 1 victory over the Phoenix Suns in the NBA playoffs, highlighting Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's well-deserved Clutch Player of the Year award and the team's overall improvement from last season. Hosts Annette Beatwriter and Rylan Stiles, joined by Thunder beat writer Justin Martinez, analyze the Thunder's defensive intensity, offensive efficiency, and the critical role of Chet Holmgren’s impact despite not winning Defensive Player of the Year. The discussion shifts to Game 2 preparations, with predictions that Phoenix may adjust by going smaller and relying on three-point shooting, while the Thunder must remain disciplined on the glass and in transition. Key takeaways include SGA’s clutch dominance, Chet Holmgren’s offensive growth, and the importance of maintaining defensive focus. The episode also critiques the NBA voting process for overlooking Chet Holmgren in Defensive Player of the Year ballots, calling it a failure of voter accountability.
SGA’s Clutch Player of the Year award is well-deserved, with 175 clutch points in 125 minutes—second only to Jamal Murray despite playing 52 fewer minutes.
Chet Holmgren’s defensive impact is undeniable, and his absence from top-three ballots in DPOY voting is seen as a serious oversight by the hosts.
OKC’s blowout win in Game 1 was fueled by elite ball movement, defensive versatility, and rebounding dominance (19 offensive boards).
Phoenix may respond in Game 2 by going smaller and relying on three-point shooting, but this strategy is risky against OKC’s elite defense.
Jalen Williams and Isaiah Joe must continue to shoot with confidence and defend aggressively to maintain their rotation roles.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Intro & Sponsor: ADT Home Security
The episode opens with a sponsor message for ADT home security, emphasizing the importance of protection during emergencies.
SGA Wins Clutch Player of the Year
“He's only the second player to have already won an MVP while having the clutch player of the year. He will be the first person if he does win MVP to win the MVP and clutch player award in the same season.”
Chet Holmgren’s Defensive Impact & DPOY Voting Controversy
“If he's not in your top three, you should not have a vote for whatever the reason you decided not to put him in your top three. It should just remove you from ever voting ever in any NBA award at any point in time.”
OKC’s Growth & Game 1 Breakdown
The hosts analyze how the Thunder have evolved from last season’s championship team, citing improved health, experience, and individual growth in players like Chet, Jalen Williams, and AJ Mitchell.
Phoenix’s Adjustments for Game 2
“You might as well just burn the boats and say, you know what? We're going to put Colin out there with Jalen Green, with Devin Booker. Yes, they're small. Yes, they can't defend. Yes, this is not a defensive heavy lineup, but you don't have one of those anyway.”
“If he's not in your top three, you should not have a vote for whatever the reason you decided not to put him in your top three. It should just remove you from ever voting ever in any NBA award at any point in time.”
“You might as well just burn the boats and say, you know what? We're going to put Colin out there with Jalen Green, with Devin Booker. Yes, they're small. Yes, they can't defend. Yes, this is not a defensive heavy lineup, but you don't have one of those anyway.”
“He's only the second player to have already won an MVP while having the clutch player of the year. He will be the first person if he does win MVP to win the MVP and clutch player award in the same season.”
Hosts
Guest
Oklahoma City Thunder
other
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
person
Chet Holmgren
person
Phoenix Suns
other
Rylan Stiles
person
Justin Martinez
person
Annette Beatwriter
person
Wimby
person
J-Dub
person
Isaiah Joe
person
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