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How many spotlight rebounds are you able to bear in mind? It’s a uncommon prevalence, particularly with out a putback dunk to observe. Rebounds are not often glamorous like dunks or inventive like passes. They’re simply the results of a participant being in the best place on the proper time and executing a elementary talent. Well, that is the case more often than not. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander acquired a bit extra modern in Friday’s sport in opposition to the Indiana Pacers.
The sequence started with Gilgeous-Alexander doing what he does finest: scoring on a contested layup. In the method, he misplaced his proper shoe. However, the sport was nonetheless in progress, so he did not have time to place it again on. So Gilgeous-Alexander did what any determined participant would’ve completed: he grabbed the shoe along with his proper hand and ran again on protection. By the time he made it again up the court docket, Indiana guard Jordan Nwora had hoisted up a 3-pointer. It clanked off the rim and proper into the open left hand of Gilgeous-Alexander, who was nonetheless holding his shoe along with his proper hand.
After the rebound, Gilgeous-Alexander handed the ball forward to teammate Lu Dort. Eventually the ball discovered its method to Isaiah Joe, who acquired fouled on the possession. The Thunder finally walked away with some extent.
It’s a lesson in effort. Gilgeous-Alexander might have given the Pacers a simple 4 on 5 whereas he put his shoe again on. Instead, he tried to play on. The consequence was a rebound that will have gone the opposite method with out his presence, and an additional level in an in depth sport for his Thunder.
