TORONTO — The presence of Netflix camera crews following a player signifies not just talent but the potential of their team to unfold a captivating narrative. This is particularly true for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder, who are making a remarkable transition this season from being labeled as ‘up-and-coming’ to being recognized as serious contenders for an NBA championship.

There are numerous indicators of the rising respect that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the OKC Thunder are earning this season. They are no longer viewed merely as a promising team; they’ve firmly established themselves as contenders in the NBA landscape. This transformation is evidenced by the attention they are receiving, including the fact that Gilgeous-Alexander has been highlighted as one of the key athletes in the second season of Starting Five, a documentary series that delves behind the scenes with the league’s most notable stars.

The cameras captured the excitement as Hamilton’s Gilgeous-Alexander made his way around Toronto during his only visit to the Golden Horseshoe this season. It was a moment filled with nostalgia as he interacted with fans and friends, showcasing the connection he has with his hometown. The footage included him greeting familiar faces, from family members to Drake, while he effortlessly dominated the Raptors’ defense. The atmosphere was perfectly complemented by the signature chill vibe of SGA.

“Competing in front of those who share my background, who grew up in the same environment, and who understand my journey is truly special,” he expressed on Thursday. His post-game attire, which included designer sunglasses, a diamond-encrusted crucifix, and a lavish shaggy black fur coat, added a touch of flair to his remarks. “It creates an unspoken bond between us, even if we’ve never met. I take immense pride in being Canadian.”

The Netflix crew, along with the enthusiastic crowd at Scotiabank Arena, witnessed firsthand the thrilling potential of the story they were capturing. It hinted at a dramatic narrative that could unfold, especially if the Thunder and Gilgeous-Alexander find themselves vying for an NBA title this June alongside other prominent players, such as Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics, who is also featured this season.

The Thunder’s performance showcases their readiness for a deep playoff run, making them an exciting team to watch on screen and in the arena. Their potential to reach the NBA Finals is palpable, and fans are eager to see how this season unfolds.

For the Toronto Raptors, facing off against the Thunder resulted in a challenging night as they struggled against the league’s top defensive team, which limited them to a dismal 35.2 percent shooting in a 129-92 defeat. This 37-point loss marked the largest deficit of the season for the 7-16 Raptors. The game effectively slipped away when the 17-5 Thunder headed into halftime with a commanding 25-point lead, showcasing their tenacious defense with more steals and blocks than the Raptors managed field goals.

The Raptors welcomed back second-year wing Gradey Dick, who had missed five games due to a bruised calf, marking a positive moment amidst the struggle. Dick proved to be one of the Raptors’ most effective players, scoring 15 points on five-of-nine shooting in just 23 minutes. However, the absence of center Jakob Poeltl due to illness left the squad at a disadvantage, as they sorely missed their most reliable big man.

Throughout the game, the Thunder never faced a serious threat. They quickly built a lead of 10 points within the first four minutes, extended it to 17 by the end of the first quarter, and entered the fourth quarter with a staggering 34-point advantage. This kind of performance illustrates why they boast the NBA’s largest point differential this season.

The Raptors’ key players faced significant challenges against the Thunder’s relentless defense, which has been effective in limiting opponents to just 103.2 points per 100 possessions—almost 10 points better than the league average. Scottie Barnes managed only 12 points on five-of-13 shooting and struggled from beyond the arc, going two-of-seven without getting to the free-throw line. He did contribute with 12 rebounds and eight assists, although he also recorded four turnovers. Meanwhile, RJ Barrett tallied 17 points with five-of-16 shooting, including one-of-seven from three-point range, and grabbed 11 rebounds.

The Thunder’s victory could have been even more decisive, as Gilgeous-Alexander ended the game with 30 points despite a challenging night from beyond the arc, hitting only one of ten three-point attempts. His focus on improving his three-point shooting this season has become a crucial part of his game strategy, taking an average of 6.1 attempts per game—almost double his previous seasons. This long-term approach is designed to enhance his offensive game against defenses that collapse to counter his exceptional driving ability, which is unmatched in the league.

“It’s a thrilling journey,” he remarked about his endeavor to improve his three-point shooting. “The process of enhancing my skills and adding new dimensions to my game is incredibly rewarding. Ultimately, my goal is to be a well-rounded basketball player with no weaknesses in my skill set.”

For the Raptors, the attention and recognition that Gilgeous-Alexander is receiving serve as a benchmark to aspire to. Just a few seasons ago, the Thunder were largely overlooked, winning only 22 and 24 games in consecutive seasons. The tide began to turn during the 2022-23 season when they achieved 40 wins, and Gilgeous-Alexander experienced a breakout year, finishing fifth in the MVP voting.

Achieving 57 wins and securing the top seed in the Western Conference last season firmly placed the Thunder on the map. Gilgeous-Alexander’s second-place finish in the MVP voting was a testament to his impact. This season, the Thunder are embracing the expectations that come with their success, particularly after adding valuable players like Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein during the off-season.

“There is a noticeable difference in the atmosphere, but it doesn’t affect us internally,” said Mark Daigneault, the head coach of the Thunder, who has been instrumental in their development. “The external noise and perceptions have changed, and we acknowledge that. However, when it comes to our competitive spirit and growth, those factors are largely irrelevant and can be distracting. Therefore, we must manage this properly to remain the most competitive and evolving team we can be, which is our primary goal.”

This perspective is shared among the Thunder’s veterans. Lu Dort, a fellow Canadian national team player from Montreal, is in his sixth year with the Thunder, alongside Gilgeous-Alexander in terms of seniority.

The transition from being an overlooked team to a rising contender appears to be a natural evolution for the Thunder. They are now comfortable with the expectations that come with being a target. “We don’t focus too much on that,” Dort stated after his defensive efforts against Barrett. “Our priority is to compete. While it’s gratifying to be in this position, our main goal is to win games.”

This journey serves as a model for the Raptors and any team aiming to rise from obscurity to prominence. Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic certainly hopes his team observed the lessons presented by a more experienced squad that outplayed them, even when it seemed they could have eased up yet still achieved a similar outcome.

“The Thunder are an impressive team, constructed to succeed right now,” Rajakovic noted, recalling his early coaching days as an assistant with OKC. “Having a player like Shai, who can still score 30 points even when struggling from three-point range, is invaluable. We have much to learn from their approach and execution.”

From Gilgeous-Alexander’s perspective, the key takeaway is to consistently focus on both the minor and major aspects of the game. Pursuing an MVP award, an NBA championship, and a feature in a Netflix documentary will hopefully follow as a natural progression of hard work and dedication.

“It feels the same as always,” he reflected. “We’re still the same group, with a few key additions who have integrated seamlessly. We take it day by day, striving to improve with each game and every opportunity, with the hope that we will reach our goals by season’s end.”

Thanks to Netflix, fans will be able to join them on this exciting journey.