The Oklahoma City Thunder had to wait, but finally, their rivals are here. Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks successfully drowned the Clippers to advance to the second round. This has set up one of the ultimate clashes. Two MVP candidates Doncic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will take the test of survival against each other.

Both the Thunder and the Mavericks are two dynamic teams. Each side has a culmination of players who work well together. Doncic and Kyrie Irving impressed thoroughly in their first-round matchup against the Clippers. Similar;y, SGA and Jalen Williams have been sublime in the postseason up until this point.

Unfortunately, the Thunder duo didn’t escape unscathed from their series sweep against New Orleans. Each had an injury of their own to heal from. The question is are they healthy to compete?

Is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander injured before playing Luka Doncic?

In Game 4 against the Pelicans, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander tweaked his ankle. On the other hand, Jalen Williams had to endure harsh physicality from the Pelicans. He even had to exit the game briefly during Game 3 of the playoff series. With the impending battle against Doncic nearing, OKC fans could enjoy a small victory.

According to Anthony Slater, the Oklahoma City Thunder had a clean injury report before the beginning of the second round. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Williams both participated in the team’s practice session today. Moreover, they stayed on the court after practice was over to get some additional shots.

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The Thunder, even though one of the youngest teams in the league solidified their status as one of the best teams in the NBA this season/ Their offense is electric. They willingly share the ball with one another and create a harmonious system on both ends of the floor. The availability of their two best players guarantees a thrilling second-round series against the Mavericks.

In the test for the MVPs, will it be Luka Doncic or Shai Gilgeous Alexander who comes out on top?

SGA has passed the playoff test so far

The Oklahoma City Thunder’s main talisman Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been sensational in the postseason so far. In the four-game sweep to move past the Pelicans, the 25-year-old Canadian hooper averaged 27.3 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. He took a major leap this year jumping into MVP contention after making the All-NBA first team last season.

It might only be his third time in the postseason, but Shai plays with unparalleled confidence. His skill set and mentality have gradually increased with each year. This season, he was the pivotal force who ushered the Thunder to the number one seed in the West. Averaging 30.2 points and 6.2 assists, SGA is amongst the MVP candidates alongside Doncic and Nikola Jokić. He even leads the NBA stat line in steals per game, averaging 2.2.

The big stage has never dimmed Alexander’s game. In fact, he flourishes under the bright lights. Additionally, the young Thunder plays far from the inexperienced side a good deal of people might picture them to be. Yet, the Dallas Mavericks aren’t a team to be taken lightly. Luka Doncic doesn’t take long to heat up. Now, he has a fully fit and immersed Kyrie Irving walking beside him.

Who do you think takes this series? Let us know in the comments below.