Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 39 points in 29 minutes, and the Oklahoma City Thunder emphatically bounced back to rout the New York Knicks 126-101 on Friday night in the first game since their 15-game winning streak was snapped.

It’s lifted him above his bigger-market, better-marketed peers in All-Star voting, with fans gravitating toward his trench coats and slick handle alone.  And on Wednesday night, it served as an elbow from the top rope,

Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander dominated the Knicks with 39 points, all of which was through only three quarters.

The precise moment when the Kia Race to the MVP got real was last Sunday when Shai Gilgeous-Alexander swatted away a layup attempt by Jayson Tatum, another Kia MVP contender, in the tense fourth-quarter moments of Oklahoma City vs. Boston.

NBA superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander wants to retire with the Oklahoma City Thunder.  Gilgeous-Alexander, 26, is in his sixth season with the Thunder, who have the best record in the Western Conference at 30-6.

I can't see a world where I'm not in Oklahoma City," Gilgeous-Alexander said. "Market, no market. I don't care. I'm comfortable where I am. I love where I

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is 26 years old, in the MVP conversation (again) and playing for a tight-knit team that has a chance to win a championship. His two most talented teammates, Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams,

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a 39-point masterclass Friday night in the Thunder's 126-101 win against the Knicks.