Thunder's SGA Talks NBA Playoffs Shooting Woes, Says It's 'Part of Basketball'

Oklahoma City Thunder superstar guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander isn't sweating the shooting struggles he has experienced over the first two games of OKC's first-round playoff series against the Memphis Grizzlies.

Although Gilgeous-Alexander scored a game-high 27 points to go along with eight rebounds and five assists in the Thunder's 118-99 Game 2 win on Tuesday night, he shot just 10-of-29 from the field.

That came on the heels of SGA scoring 15 points on 4-of-13 shooting in Oklahoma City's 131-80 blowout win in Game 1.

After Tuesday's victory, Gilgeous-Alexander told reporters that shooting slumps are simply part of the game, adding that he hopes he can turn it around moving forward:

"I feel like I'm getting looks I usually make and just missing them. That's part of basketball. It's ups and downs, makes and misses. Because my team is really good, we've won two games by a decent margin. They've had my back these last two nights. Hopefully, I pick it up soon."

Although the potential NBA MVP is shooting just 32.6 percent from the field thus far during the playoffs, it hasn't impacted the Thunder, who have won their first two games by 51 points and 19 points, respectively.

In Game 1, the Thunder's depth was on full display, as six players scored in double figures, including all five starters.

Then, in Game 2, both Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams reached the 20-point, giving OKC three players with 20 or more points in the contest.

During the regular season, the Thunder were the best team in the NBA with a 68-14 record, and Gilgeous-Alexander was a huge reason why, as he averaged a league-leading 32.7 points per game on 51.9 percent shooting.

Given his production, it is likely only a matter of time before SGA's shooting gets back to normal, which is a scary proposition for the Grizzlies and any other team the Thunder may face.

Even with their best player struggling by his own lofty standards, the Thunder haven't even been challenged by the Grizzlies, as other key players such as Holmgren, Williams, Lu Dort, Isaiah Hartenstein, Aaron Wiggins and Alex Caruso have picked up the slack.

If Gilgeous-Alexander gets back to the point where he starts hitting about 50 percent of his shots once again, it is fair to wonder if there is a team in the Western Conference capable of hanging with the Thunder.

SGA's next chance to get back in rhythm will be Thursday night when the Thunder go on the road to face the Grizzlies in Game 3.