THUNDER Road

Tanking for Victor Wembanyama? Oklahoma City has had other ideas this season, playing exciting ball and working its way into playoff contention thanks to its breakout star: SHAI GILGEOUS-ALEXANDER.

- CHRIS MANNIX

WHENEVER THE THUNDER 7 are home with two days off between games, the Quail Creek Golf & Country Club has a trespasser. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has access to all the amenities at Oklahoma City's 55,setsquare-foot practice facility, from a smoothie bar to a 27-seat film room. It's what he can't get there that takes him to the outskirts of the city: a tennis court. A Thunder staffer-a club member-lets Gilgeous-Alexander in, usually a few minutes before close, ushering the 6' 6" point guard down a short hallway and through a gift shop that opens into a room with three royal-blue hardcourt surfaces. Inside, Gilgeous-Alexander immediately grabs a racket and starts striking. He rips forehands. He lunges for backhands. The games are intense. "Fiery," says Mark Castillanes, a longtime friend and frequent tennis foe.

Physically, there is little that seems to connect the movements of tennis and basketball. "Sometimes I feel super uncoordinated," says Gilgeous-Alexander. Mentally, the feeling is familiar. Everything is in your hands in tennis. You can’t blame nobody else. It’s how good you’re going to be versus X opponent, and you have got to figure it out.” Gilgeous-Alexander took up the game last summer and has quickly improved, eagerly absorbing advice from club pros. He loves a challenge,” says Jazz guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Shai’s cousin. Not to prove anything to anyone. Just himself.”