Shai Gilgeous-Alexander just finished one job, but his mind is already focused on the next playoff test. The star guard knows the upcoming challenge will not be easy, no matter who they face.

Gilgeous-Alexander made his thoughts clear after the Oklahoma City Thunder secured a 131-122 Game 4 victory over the Phoenix Suns. This impressive win in Phoenix completed a clean 4-0 sweep in the first round of the playoffs.

Shai stated, “It'll either be the Lakers or Houston. Each pose their challenges. Houston is more defensive, and the Lakers are more offensive. But they're both really good teams, and to make it out that series…you have to do a lot of things right. So we won't take them lightly.”

The Thunder dominated the entire series with winning margins of 35, 13, 12, and 9 points against the Suns.

As the number one overall seed with the best regular-season record, the team has proven itself.

Finishing the series early gives them an advantage with extra days of rest, and the team is completely focusing on their preparation. 

The Los Angeles Lakers held a 3-1 series lead over the Houston Rockets. The Lakers had won the first three games, but the Rockets took Game 4 in a very convincing manner.

With Game 5 set for April 29 in Los Angeles, Gilgeous-Alexander is very well aware of the reality of the playoffs. 

Thunder knows that whoever walks out of the other series will bring a new set of problems to solve.

What Makes Lakers and Rockets Two Very Different Challenges for OKC

The Houston Rockets finished the regular season with a strong 52-30 record by building a defensive identity.

This allowed them to rank in the top five for opponent efficiency and forced turnovers, keeping their defensive rating in the 109-110 range. 

On the other hand, the Los Angeles Lakers rely on their offense after finishing the season at 53-29.

The Lakers score points very efficiently and boast a stronger effective field goal percentage.

However, they allow more points per 100 possessions and are slightly more vulnerable on the defensive end compared to Houston. 

The Rockets have proven they can win blowout defensive games, as seen in their Game 4 victory. The Lakers have shown they can win tighter, higher-scoring games early in their series.

Both of these teams have different styles that will create problems for Oklahoma City.

Gilgeous-Alexander only cares that his team is ready for the challenge ahead. Which team do you think will present a tougher challenge for the Thunder? 

Read more at Air Jordan Chronicles!

Written by

Utsav Sinha

Edited by

Utsav Gupta