The Golden State Warriors had their hands full with MVP front-runner Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night.
While the Warriors were ultimately able to pull out a 116–109 win against the best team in the Western Conference, it didn’t come easy, and SGA still did plenty of damage, going off for 52 points on 16-of-29 shooting.
Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging a league-leading 32.5 points per game, and plays maestro to one of the most high-octane offenses in all of basketball. While the Warriors got the better of them on Wednesday night, head coach Steve Kerr was quick to acknowledge the challenge that SGA presents.
“I don’t know what to do with Shai,” Kerr told reporters after the win. “I asked Mark (Daigneault) to leave him on the bench for a couple more minutes. He didn’t comply.”
Steve Kerr on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 52 points: “I don’t know what to do with Shai. I asked Mark (Daigneault) to leave him on the bench for a couple more minutes. He didn’t comply.” pic.twitter.com/wxmcHQ2cV9
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) January 30, 2025
After the joke, Kerry praised the likely MVP for his versatility on the court, and the number of challenges he presents to his opposition.
“It’s pick your poison with him,” Kerr said. “The good thing for us down the stretch was we had the lead, so we didn’t mind giving up the twos.”
The loss was just the ninth of the Thunder’s season. They’ll look to get back on the winning track with a matchup against the Sacramento Kings on Saturday.
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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Steve Kerr Had One Comical Suggestion for Slowing Down SGA During Wild 52-Point Game.
