The Toronto Raptors have been riding a wave of momentum lately, securing two impressive back-to-back wins at home against the Miami Heat and Indiana Pacers, respectively.
Unfortunately for them, their promising stretch of home games was disrupted by a Western Conference giant, the Oklahoma City Thunder. It’s no surprise that the Thunder are led by an NBA superstar and a prominent face of Canada Basketball: perennial MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Oklahoma City dismantled the Raptors with a commanding 129-92 victory, powered by Gilgeous-Alexander’s impressive box score: 30 points, five assists, four rebounds, two steals, and two blocks.
SGA's ascent to NBA superstardom has been nothing short of meteoric. He emerged as the key player asset in the now lopsided trade between the Clippers and Thunder that involved Paul George.
Acquiring a wealth of valuable draft capital, in addition to a player who has risen to an unexpected level, clearly demonstrates Sam Presti and the Thunder front office's keen eye for talent and their expertise in trade negotiations.
While Gilgeous-Alexander stands as one of the premier faces of this modern NBA generation, he is undoubtedly Canada’s greatest basketball export. However, if anyone is poised to challenge SGA for that title, it’s the rising Raptors star, RJ Barrett.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and RJ Barrett are Canada's finest
It’s one thing to have a Canadian, or a few Canadians, on the NBA’s only non-U.S.-based roster; however, after acquiring Barrett from the New York Knicks, they paved the way for a homegrown star to rise.
Barrett has been experiencing a breakout season, and although it hasn't been flawless—there have been a few inconsistencies and concerns along the way—the promise he has shown largely overshadows his shortcomings.
One notable figure acknowledging Barrett's career resurgence with the Toronto Raptors is his fellow countryman and Canada Basketball teammate, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
SGA addressed the media during a post-game Thunder scrum, stating:
'It's definitely every Canadian's dream to play at home.'
— theScore (@theScore) December 6, 2024
Shai on watching fellow Canadian RJ Barrett thrive at home with the Raptors 👀🇨🇦 pic.twitter.com/NZh2exXARL
"Every time I see RJ he gets better, and sky's the limit because of that. "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Without a doubt, the bond forged among Canadian basketball stars is a rock-solid foundation. While they may be rivals at the NBA level, they are united in their patriotic mission to make their country proud.
What RJ Barrett and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander have accomplished as Canadian athletes in the NBA is nothing short of spectacular. Though they are two completely different players on distinct basketball trajectories, it's always a plus for fans to see one of the NBA's top talents express approval for his hometown team and a fellow hometown star.
Perhaps, somewhere down the line, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will find his way to the Toronto Raptors.
What a dream that would be, eh?