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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Draws Comparison With Hollywood’s NASCAR Icon: “Better Driver Than Ricky Bobby”

Published 01/02/2024, 9:14 PM EST

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USA Today via Reuters

The Oklahoma City Thunder have taken the NBA world by storm. They have surprised everyone with their incredible performance this season. The Thunder are ranked 2nd in the Western Conference standings with an outstanding 22-9 record. A major reason for their success has been the All-NBA level performance of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The 25-year-old has burst onto the scene and led the Thunder to one of their best starts in recent memory.

Shai’s performance has been so incredible that he even garnered appreciation from the announcer of an opponent team. The Thunder superstar drew comparison with Hollywood’s NASCAR Icon Ricky Bobby during tonight’s clash against the Boston Celtics.

The OKC Thunder are going head-to-head against the top-seeded Boston Celtics. Witnessing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s incredible performance during the game, Celtics announcer Drew Carter made an unusual comparison between Shai and Hollywood’s iconic character Ricky Bobby. “He’s a better driver than Ricky Bobby,” Carter said. He was referring to Hollywood’s iconic NASCAR character Ricky Bobby from the 2006 comedy film “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby”. The lead character was played by the comedy legend, Will Ferrell.

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The character of Ricky Bobby in the film was a national hero for being one of the best NASCAR drivers in the country. The comparison between him and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was unusual, but it made a lot of sense. Shai has been the leader of the Thunder franchise and led them to immense success. He has become an elite scorer, averaging 31.2 points, 6.3 assists, and 2.6 steals. In just a few seasons, Shai has become one of the best young players in the league.

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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for 2024 MVP Title – Ex-Clippers Star Dissects Bold Prediction

Are the OKC Thunder the best young squad in the league?

The OKC Thunder have not won a championship since leaving their previous incarnation of the Seattle Supersonics. They came close to winning their first title in 2012 but got demolished by a prime LeBron James in the finals. This year is the first time since the Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook era that the Thunder is looking like one of the best teams in the league. No one expected them to be this good this early. But they are proving everyone wrong with their incredible performance.

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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Co. might be the best young squad in the league. They have amazing young players, including Josh Giddey and rookie sensation Chet Holmgren. The only young teams that come close to their talent level are the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Orlando Magic, and the Houston Rockets. With the way the Thunder have been playing all season, they can bag a Top 4 seed in the Western Conference and make some noise in the playoffs. How far do you believe Shai Gilgeous-Alexander can take the Thunder this season?

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Written by:

Rohan Bhaunt

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“Nothing is given. Everything is earned.” - This LeBron James quote struck me very early in my life.
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