Oklahoma City — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander enters Saturday’s Game 7 against San Antonio determined to shake off an uncharacteristic shooting slump. The Thunder guard is hitting just 37 percent of his open attempts in the series after converting 55 percent of those looks during the regular season, The Oklahoman reported.
“I’m not too sure, to be honest,” Gilgeous-Alexander said when asked about the dip in efficiency. “A lot of the shots that I’m shooting, I’ve shot plenty of times before, and they feel good. They’re just not going in.” Despite the Thunder’s lopsided Game 6 defeat, the reigning two-time MVP added, “It’s too late to abandon my work, my game and who I am this late in the season. I’ve got to trust it and live or die by it.”
Kings eye Arkansas guard at No. 7
Sacramento continues to be linked to Arkansas guard Darius Acuff with the seventh overall pick, according to The Sacramento Bee. Team personnel are reportedly intrigued by Acuff’s offensive upside, while some decision-makers believe concerns about his defense are overstated. If Acuff is still on the board when the Kings pick, he is viewed as a strong candidate.
Mavericks targeting impact player, not position
Dallas general manager Mike Schmitz said the Mavericks will prioritize overall talent rather than positional need with the ninth selection. “It’s about just finding a difference maker at 9,” Schmitz told the Dallas Morning News. The Mavericks hold picks Nos. 9, 30 and 48 and are confident they can secure meaningful contributors throughout the draft.
With Cooper Flagg already established as the franchise cornerstone, Dallas is searching for the next complementary piece. “We’re really, really excited about the level of player that we can get there,” Schmitz said.
Source: Hoops Wire
