SGA's 'Amnesia to Success' Praised by Thunder's Caruso as 1 Of His 'Special Qualities'
The NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder are off to an 11-1 start to the 2025-26 season, and reigning league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander remains the catalyst for their success.
Gilgeous-Alexander has kept up his spectacular play to start this season, posting averages of 32.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.1 blocks per game. Thunder veteran guard Alex Caruso told ESPN's Tim MacMahon that he feels the 27-year-old has not let the accolades from last season affect his approach this year.
"One of the special qualities that he has is his amnesia to success," Caruso said. "He constantly wants to be a better version of himself, win more, and the competitiveness of that is contagious."
Oklahoma City has looked like a well-oiled machine while running through its opponents this year, leading the league with a point differential of +14.4. The team most recently toppled the Golden State Warriors 126-102 on Tuesday night, with Gilgeous-Alexander leading the way with 28 points and 11 assists.
The Thunder's hot start is even more impressive considering that they've been without star wing Jalen Williams for the entire year while he nurses a wrist injury. The 24-year-old is coming off his first All-Star selection last season and was expected to reach even greater heights this year.
Gilgeous-Alexander has been a stabilizing force for Oklahoma City in Williams' absence, and he will continue to shoulder the load as the Thunder take on the Los Angeles Lakers (8-3) on Wednesday night.
