The Thunder defeated the Timberwolves 113-105 to achieve a 12-game winning streak, making this season an impressive one. Although the Thunder had the best record in the West last season, it was due to a late surge, and there were still many teams that could compete with them for first place. However, this year the Thunder has left their competitors far behind, with a five-game lead over the second-place Grizzlies. The Thunder's goal is no longer just to be the best in the West but to claim the top spot in the league. It must be said that Alexander is now the biggest favorite for this year's MVP.
Despite Jokic still leading the race, there is a sense of fatigue among the public, who believe that Alexander is more deserving of the MVP than Jokic. Firstly, the Thunder's record completely outshines the Nuggets', and secondly, Alexander's recent performances have been incredible. This season, he averages 31.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block per game, with a shooting percentage of 53% and a three-point percentage of 35%. In December and on the first day of the new year, Alexander has scored over 40 points three times.
These include 45 points against the Pacers, 41 points against the Wizards, and 40 points against the Timberwolves. Alexander's performance has also made the Clippers envious, as they regret their decision. After the game today, two Clippers reporters praised Alexander on social media, with journalist Tomer Azarly saying that with nearly half the season gone, Alexander is the most valuable player without controversy. Clippers beat writer Justin Russo also believes that Alexander is the MVP.
Today, Alexander dominated Edwards of the Timberwolves, shooting 15 for 23 from the field and 3 for 5 from beyond the arc, scoring 40 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 4 steals. The current Alexander is like Harden during his time with the Thunder, both becoming the laughingstock of the league due to team trades. However, the Clippers may be better off than the Thunder. The Thunder traded Harden because he wanted a few million dollars more, even though Harden was willing to take a pay cut for the Thunder. But the Thunder didn't even give Harden time to consider it.
Overall, trading Harden back then seemed more foolish for the Thunder, as Harden later proved them wrong with his performance in Houston. The Clippers, on the other hand, had no choice because Leonard's condition for joining the Clippers was that the team had to bring in George to partner with him. Even Doc Rivers revealed that they told Leonard to trust Alexander, assuring him that Alexander would become a better player than George in a few years. But Leonard had just won a championship in 19 and was at the peak of his career. Moreover, the Lakers were clearing space to sign him outright.
Leonard could say that he holds the power, and you have no room for negotiation. In other words, if the Clippers didn't bring in George, Leonard would go to the Lakers. The Clippers already had a rivalry with the Lakers and were targeting Leonard. They had no choice but to go all-in, and the Thunder was holding onto Alexander. As a result, the Clippers not only gave up Alexander but also bundled all their future first-round draft picks and swap rights. The Clippers' draft pick in 2026 still belongs to the Thunder, and it hasn't been freed yet. The main asset acquired in the trade, George, has already left the Clippers, leaving the team with nothing.
In summary, the Clippers ended up giving up Alexander and a large number of first-round draft picks to get Leonard. Analyzing this with hindsight, Leonard ruined his own good hand. If Leonard had signed directly with the Clippers and partnered with Alexander, the Clippers could have kept their draft picks to go all-in on another superstar, or even acquired Harden and strengthened their center position. That would have been a trio of Harden, Alexander, and Leonard. Who knows, in the 20-year playoffs when Leonard was healthy, he and Alexander might have been able to overcome the Nuggets. Alexander is really strong, and at only 26 years old, so if we're talking about responsibility, Leonard bears the majority of it.