As four teams took the floor in the NBA All-Star Game's new tournament-style format on Sunday night, Oklahoma City Thunder teammates Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams found themselves on opposite sides in the first round. This matchup occurring in round one was significant for a few reasons. While it did guarantee that one Thunder player would advance to the championship game, it also set the stage for one player to fall short of the title.
In what turned out to be a competitive game -- something that hasn't been the case in recent NBA All-Star events -- Gilgeous-Alexander proved to be the difference-maker, delivering a game-winning dunk for his squad. This bucket sent Williams home, ending his hope of securing a championship.
"First and foremost I guarded the hell out of him. He had two points all night," said Gilgeous-Alexander as he joked about playing against Williams in the opening round.
For Gilgeous-Alexander, the win opened the door for a potential All-Star Game MVP performance, given how he played in the opener. He was well on track to earn the honor if he could just carry his momentum into the championship round and get a win. But in the final, his team fell short of the roster comprised of the veteran players of the All-Star pool, who still carry the crown as the current faces of the league. Instead, in front of his hometown crowd, Stephen Curry -- a primary face of the NBA for this generation -- claimed MVP honors, further solidifying his place among the league's all-time greats, especially in the Bay Area.
Although neither Thunder player left the weekend with a trophy, their presence in the event served as a reminder of how far this franchise has come and how bright the future is. One of the most striking themes of this year's event was the clear passing of the torch from one generation of players to another.
LeBron James has long been the primary face of the NBA, and alongside him, players like Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, and others have defined the modern era of basketball. But as these legends near the end of their careers, a new generation of stars is emerging, ready to take the mantle. This transition is particularly evident when looking at players like Nikola Jokić and Giannis Antetokounmpo, who have firmly cemented themselves as superstars in the past half-decade, but more have entered the conversation of late. Now, players like Gilgeous-Alexander are entering the conversation as part of the next wave of league-defining talents. Alongside him, the likes of Luka Doncic, Anthony Edwards and Victor Wembanyama are the younger players who have yet to even hit their prime.
"Right now, it's kinda looking like Shai is moving towards that trajectory," Williams said of his teammate this weekend. "He's still young, so in five years, he will be one of the faces."
While he's not yet at that same level, Williams is also on the fast track to stardom. His two-way impact is among the best in the league at his age and he has a real pathway to becoming a perennial All-Star. He has the off-court swagger that comes with being a star and his game has rapidly advanced in each of his three seasons thus far in the NBA.
"I'm happy for him. Many more to come. Great player in this league," Gilgeous-Alexander said when asked about Williams on Sunday night postgame. "He does so many things for our team. We wouldn't be the team we are without him and that's clear as day as that's why he's here, and I'm excited for him, now and for the future for sure."
Beyond Gilgeous-Alexander and Williams, Chet Holmgren remains a key figure in evaluating the Thunder's young core and future success despite not being involved in San Francisco this weekend. In fact, this could be his last season without an All-Star selection, considering the trajectory he's on. Though injuries kept him from participating in this year's All-Star festivities, Holmgren is still a crucial part of Oklahoma City's future. Prior to his injury, he was on a path that would have placed him firmly in the All-Star conversation. If he stays healthy, he'll likely join Gilgeous-Alexander and Williams as a fixture in future All-Star Games, helping the Thunder trio potentially become the best in the NBA.
With these three players leading the way, the Thunder are poised for success for at least the next five years. While Oklahoma City may not have walked away with any All-Star Game accolades, their presence and the level of competition this weekend were clear signs that the future of the NBA is bright -- and the Thunder is right in the middle of it.