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LA Clippers: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s top 3 moments

Ryan Snellings|
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 10: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the LA Clippers looks on during the game against the Utah Jazz on April 10, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 10: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the LA Clippers looks on during the game against the Utah Jazz on April 10, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 12: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the LA Clippers handles the ball during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on March 12, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 12: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the LA Clippers handles the ball during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on March 12, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)

Although he only played one season for the LA Clippers, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander became a fan favorite. With his return, here are his top three moments.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had quite a successful rookie campaign for the LA Clippers last season. So successful, in fact, he was named to the Second NBA All-Rookie Team for his efforts. Clipper Nation fell in love with Shai and figured the 6’6 point guard out of Kentucky would be a key piece in for the future championship hopes of the franchise.

He sort of was. In a trade that shocked the NBA world, SGA was shipped off to Oklahoma City alongside Danilo Gallinari and a trove of picks for Paul George. Giving up Shai hurt, but fans understood that the team had to pay a steep price to get George which guaranteed the signing of Kawhi Leonard.

Tonight, Gilgeous-Alexander returns to Staples Center to face his former team for the first time since being dealt. The team has already announced that there will be a tribute video during the game, which left us wondering; what were Shai’s top moments as a member of the Clippers?

The team put together a highlight real of his season, which you can watch below. Then, we’ll list out our top three moments.

3. Shai’s First “Big” Game

11/8/19 @ Portland Trail Blazers

19 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block

This one probably isn’t one of the ones that jumps out to fans, but it was super important at the time.

On November 8, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was getting just his second career start. He had shown some flashes earlier in the season, scoring in double-digits on four occasions, but he hadn’t really shined just yet.

This game, that changed. Gilgeous-Alexander came out and looked great, despite a losing effort in Portland. He went at both Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum and looked unafraid.

His 19 points tied for a team-high second, but it was the fact that he showed us a little bit of everything. Shai knocked down two threes, drove to the rim and finished with contact and made smart basketball decisions.

You can watch his full highlights from the game here. This game was only a small glimpse into his potential, but Clipper Nation knew there was something special brewing.