Stiles Points: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Rotational Pattern Could Change in Playoffs

The Oklahoma City Thunder could shake things up in the NBA Playoffs when it comes to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's work load.

Apr 10, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) / Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports

Throughout the past two season, as literal clock work, Oklahoma City Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander would play the entire 12-minute first quarter and third quarter, while starting on the bench until around the six mark in the second and fourth frame. This is a common pattern for stars to take so it should come as no surprise when glancing around the league at how other players of Gilgeous-Alexander's caliber are handled.

However, in recent games, Mark Daigneault has switched things up, motioning for Gilgeous-Alexander to come out of the game before the first period expires and peering down the pine for his superstar earlier in the second and fourth quarters.

While it could look like a minor change on paper, and it has only been a conversation for a grand total of three games, it also falls in line with another typical trend around the league.

Come playoff time you have to peel your stars off the floor playing as close to the full 48 minutes as the human body will allow, though you have to get them a breather somewhere. This shift in the rotational pattern allows the Thunder to start strong to open each half, finishing the first and third frames strong and bringing back their go-to option earlier than normal in the game's most pivotal moments.

You get the best of both worlds with the added luxury of a quicker entrance when the game is in the balance in the final quarter. Do not be surprised if this three-game trend turns into a staple of Mark Daigneault's playoff plans.

Stiles Points

• Josh Giddey nearly turned in a triple-double, and through all the stats and shots that fell, the most impressive part was his ability to get to the charity stripe five times. Another indication of his improved rim finishing. Attacking the cup harder to get the whistle helps Giddey produce offensively.
• Chet Holmgren was able to rest the entire second half as the rookie big man is on pace to play the entire 82-game season, this was valuable time off on the second night of a back-to-back.
• Adam Flagler scored his first career bucket in a unique way. While the triple splashing home was rather ho-hum for the sharpshooter, Flagler will not play in three-straight games just as fellow rookie Keyontae Johnson did earlier this season en route to his first NBA Bucket. Flagler will have his memorable moment sandwiched between two NBA G League Finals games.
• The OKC Blue will look to stave off elimination against the Maine Celtics in Game Two of the NBA G League Finals on Thursday inside the Paycom Center at 7 PM CT on ESPN News.
• Gordon Hayward had his best game as a member of the Thunder looking to score the ball more aggressively in his return after missing the previous two and a half games. Against the Spurs not only was the box score loud but the aggression was as well. This could unlock a new dynamic for Hayward if things continue to trend this way.

Song of the Day: San Antonio Stroll by Tanya Tucker.

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