Thunder Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Named NBA's Western-Conference Player of the Month

After a continuous string of impressive performances, Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander did enough to earn the Western Conference Player of the Month honors alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo in the East.

Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is no stranger to adversity.

It's part of the reason he's quietly become one of the best players in the NBA through his on-court play. Not only is he a capable passer, but he's a prolific scorer with the ability to shut down some of the league's best playmakers at the same time.

The veteran guard has everything it takes to be a star in the league, and he's been exactly that this season, even creeping his way into the top-3 for the esteemed Most Valuable Player trophy awarded every season. He isn't a lock for it — and likely won't be unless Joel Embiid or Nikola Jokic end up sitting for the season — but he's made strong strides in that race. 

His mindset and attitude are a part of what makes the guard so unique, too, however. And that was evident in his reply to being asked about his work ethic a few days ago.

Jan 5, 2024; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) warms up prior to the game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center / © Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

"I'm aware of the league and how good players in the league are," Gilgeous-Alexander said. "That's why I work so hard." 

If Gilgeous-Alexander is a work horse, then the NBA is the track. He's proven that time and again with his consistency on both ends of the floor — a track-record that put him in the MVP conversation in the first place — and even been impressive enough to earn the league's Western-Conference Player of the Month honors for December.

"[Gilgeous-Alexander] produced his eighth 30-plus point game in nine appearances in a loss Wednesday at Atlanta that snapped a five-game winning streak," NBA.com wrote of the Thunder star. "[He] poured in 24 of his 33 points in the second half as OKC fell to 6-2 when finishing with 130-plus points." 

Gilgeous-Alexander stands alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo, who's put together a strong string of games to take home the hardware for the Eastern Conference as both players have left indelible marks on their team's respective seasons.

Earning the award only further cemented his true impact for the Thunder and allowed him more visibility across the league as teams begin to prepare for him the way they do Jokic or Embiid. It might seem like a no-brainer, but the guard hasn't gotten the same level of exposure as some of the NBA's other stars until recently — and that on its own was enough to further fuel Gilgeous-Alexander.

"I work really hard," Gilgeous-Alexander said. "And when I work, I work like the best defender in the world is guarding me, so that in [big] moments, it's my comfort zone."

Working to the point of finding comfort in pressure situations is the mark of a top-tier basketball player and better leader. The MVP — nor the Player of the Month — might not be based upon those kind of intangibles, but it shouldn't go without noticing. 

And even despite Oklahoma City's recent woes on the road, the point guard knows it falls upon him to rally his team. He is the Player of the Month, after all.

"We've lost two games in a row that maybe people say we shouldn't, or games that aren't to our character. But it happens. You have to lose to become a winner."

Right now, Gilgeous-Alexander is certainly a winner. But being one on an individual level isn't enough for him. 

Now, his focus is on helping his team continue to win games. 

Next up for Gilgeous-Alexander and company is a trip to Washington D.C. for its third contest of a four-game road trip, where it can once again look to grab a win.

Tipoff from Capital One Arena is scheduled for 6 p.m. CST Monday

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