Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Texted Nick Young Following Gilbert Arenas Disrespect Ahead Of Lakers Beatdown

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) reaches to steal the ball from Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) during the second half at Paycom Center.

If there’s one thing that all people associated with the NBA must follow, it’s that they shouldn’t be riling up star players before key games. Gilbert Arenas was forced to eat his own words after Shai Gilgeous-Alexander became a man possessed in the Oklahoma City Thunder’s victory last week over the Los Angeles Lakers.

Arenas, who doesn’t shy away from voicing opinions, stated that Luka Doncic has had a better career than Shai. This was despite the fact that in 2024-25, Shai won the MVP, scoring title, Finals MVP, and also the championship.

“If both their careers stop right now, Luka will probably be in front of Shai. Last year helped Shai catch up, but you’re talking about the same age. One is a five-time All-NBA First Team,” Arenas had said.

Gilgeous-Alexander heard what Arenas said. And before the game against the Lakers, he hit up Nick Young and asked him to tune in. He was about to do something special.

In just 29 minutes, Shai put up 30 points, blowing the Lakers out, with OKC winning 121-92. Doncic on the night managed just 19 in 33. It wasn’t the final declaration that Shai will forever be better than the Slovenian, but he slept that night knowing he had shown that Arenas‘ comments were baseless.

Young, in a recent airing of ‘Gil’s Arena’, said, “Shai DM’d and told me, ‘Watch tonight. Imma show y’all.’ Because he was watching that day when you was saying Luka and comparing all their All-NBA teams. It was an a** whooping.”

‘A** whooping’ it indeed was. The Lakers were manhandled and humbled. The game was over by halftime.

In fact, for Shai and the Thunder, it’s increasingly looking like they’re on course to winning back-to-back. They’re currently 12-1, and No. 1 in the Western Conference Standings. And it’s all with Shai choosing to sit out almost every single fourth quarter so far.

Post Edited By: Samir Mehdi

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Somin Bhattacharjee

Basketball Editor Somin Bhattacharjee first discovered the game during the 2014 FIBA World Cup. Not long after, he turned to the NBA and found himself drawn to the Golden State Warriors — right at the start of Stephen Curry’s rise. Over time, the admiration turned into full-blown support for the team, one that continues even as the Curry era approaches its twilight. A true hoophead, Somin also follows EuroLeague basketball closely and enjoys exploring the game beyond the NBA. Though holding a bachelor's degree in marketing, Somin discovered his true calling in writing. Since 2021, he has penned over 3,000 articles for TheSportsRush, covering everything from breaking news to sharp opinion pieces and detailed exclusives. He thrives on writing about in-game moments and the reactions that make basketball a uniquely emotional sport. Beyond basketball, Somin plays different sports including soccer and remains a passionate fan of Spanish football giants Real Madrid

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