Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will miss the remainder of the season with lingering ankle soreness.
Gilgeous-Alexander had been dealing with this issue for weeks, and the news was announced before the Thunder tipped off against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Despite his absence, the Thunder beat the Blazers in overtime 134-131 on Monday night.
The injury kept Gilgeous-Alexande out of action for a month leading up to the All-Star break.
Mark Daigneault just announced that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will miss the rest of the season.
— Nick Crain (@CrainNBA) March 29, 2022
The decision wasn’t a surprise.
Late last week, Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said the team would have a conversation on Gilgeous-Alexander’s status and what made the most sense for the remainder of the season.
The final decision to call it quits was mutually agreed upon between Gilgeous-Alexander and the rest of the Oklahoma City front office and coaching staff.
“We wouldn’t be doing this plan if it wasn’t collaborative. He’s committed to this,” said Daigneault.
Through 56 games this season, the Thunder star produced 24.5 points, 5.9 assists, and 5.0 rebounds per contest.
As the face of the franchise, he’s continuing to improve both on the court and as a leader off the court.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is now the sixth player to be ruled out for the season due to injury.
With a depleted roster, prospects that began the season near the end of the bench and in the G League will get the opportunity to showcase their talent and develop.