Shai-Gilgeus Alexander’s immediate reaction to not playing in OT against the Nuggets

OKLAHOMA CITY — S Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander playing in his first game since January, coach Marc Daigneault and his coaching staff had a plan in place to keep track of the reigning MVP’s minutes. In a 127-121 win against the Denver Nuggets, The Thunder won in overtime without Gilgeous-Alexander. Still, the fact that Shai could only sit and watch from the bench after helping Oklahoma City erase a 16-point deficit.

However, Gilgeous-Alexander came close to the 34-minute mark set by Daigno and the Thunder for the night. After posting 36 points, nine assists, two blocks and two steals in his first game in 24 days, there was nothing else Gilgeous-Alexander could make an impact in Friday’s overtime thriller.

“I hate it. I can’t wait until the minute limit is over. But if I hurt this injury again, none of that will matter. So that’s kind of how I see it.”

SGA on not playing in OT against Nuggets: “I hate it. I can’t wait until the minute limit is over.”

But if I hurt this injury again, none of that will matter. So that’s kind of how I see it” pic.tvitter.com/8RKSInlRfrM

— Joshua Peacock (@Joe_Sway) February 28, 2026

Thunder starting center Isaiah Hartenstein, returning from a calf injury, was on the same minutes restriction as Gilgeous-Alexander. Thunder All-Star Chet Holmgren, who finished with a game-high 21 rebounds, led the defending champions to victory along with Cason Wallace, Isaiah Joe and Jaylin Williams, who closed out Hartenstein’s victory. Alex Caruso also played in overtime.

Marc Daigneault on sitting Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

In a game that included a clash with Nuggets All-Star Nikola Jokic and it resulted in the ejection of Thunder veteran Lou DortThunder head coach Marc Daigneault explained his decision to sit reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

“It’s going to be a 24-day injury. He’s back in the game. One of the conditions to get on the court tonight is to keep him at a certain point, by minutes,” Daigneault said. “We talked about that situation with both him and (Hartenstein) before the game. Just to be clear in an unemotional moment, if we were in that situation, that’s what we would do.

“Obviously we did that. I understand it’s a little unorthodox, but at the end of the day, we’re trying to prioritize the health of our players as they come back from injury.”

The Thunder will travel to face the Mavericks on Sunday.