“It’s..like the James Harden Effect”: 7x Champ Predicts Shai-Gilgeous Alexander’s ‘Weakness’ Despite Thunders’ Winning Streak

Oklahoma City Thunder is making waves with an impressive winning streak. The team is triumphing convincingly against formidable opponents. Ahead in this year, the team will face even more challenges. The star player of the roster Shai Gilgeous Alexander certainly has to elevate his skills to meet the expectations. Drawing parallels to James Harden, the former NBA player discussed one weakness of the 25-year-old player in his latest podcast.

7x NBA champion Robert Horry in the latest episode of his show, ‘Big Shot Bob,’ explained the situation. 

Robert Horry talks about Shai Gilgeous Alexander’s game

Speaking of the similarities between Harden and Alexander, Horry pointed out how the OKC player might not receive the same number of foul calls and free throw opportunities in the playoffs. Talking about Alexander, Horry said, “Shai is not gonna get all those fouls that he gets think about he shoots 12 free throws a game he’s not going to get those in the playoffs so that’s…” Mentioning the Harden effect, he added, “it’s almost like the James Harden effect you remember when James  been in the playoffs he go to the line 15 times and all of a sudden the playoffs start the refs don’t give him those calls and he’s like what the hell.”

According to Horry, Harden experienced a reduction in favorable calls when the playoffs arrived. Furthermore, he said, “I get upset with the refs like call it like you supposed to call the game don’t give a guy all these calls just because you know he bumps into someone.”

Alexander is currently one of the best players on the roster. His skills are even being compared to the Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan. 

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Can the OKC Thunder meet expectations this season?

He excels at drawing fouls, and secured the third spot in free-throw attempts last season with 10.9, behind Joel Embiid and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Both the players are known for their approaches to earning free throws. Will the player be able to meet expectations this time? Starting 2024 with a stellar 22-9 record in 31 games, the Oklahoma City Thunder secured the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference. This year, the team certainly has more opportunities to show its capability to challenge and emerge victorious against the top teams in the NBA.

What do you think about this? Let us know in the comments section below.

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