Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Embraces Teammates, Shows How Thunder Has Built Culture

The Oklahoma City Thunder is 12-6 through 18 games of action, which leads them to being the No. 3 team in the Western Conference. All things considered, the Thunder has had one of the best starts to the season of any team this season. 

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is an MVP candidate and Chet Holmgren made his debut looking like a borderline All-Star. When those two things are combined, winning is going to happen, especially as the Thunder has one of the best culture's in the NBA that allows anyone to thrive on any given night.

As mentioned, Gilgeous-Alexander is an early MVP candidate. He's averaging over 30 points per game while providing an impact in each of the other facets of the game while leading to wins. Still, despite seeing this success for a second season in a row, Gilgeous-Alexander remains one of the most selfless superstars.

"I really like my teammates, like genuinely. ...It’s a special group of guys. I enjoy being around them," Gilgeous-Alexander said after the Thunder's win over the Lakers on Thursday. "I prioritize winning and you can’t win alone. I need every one of those guys to get done what I want to get done.”

Having a superstar of the caliber of Gilgeous-Alexander be so selfless translates to winning across the board. This allows Holmgren to have the quick start he's had in his career, along with Jalen Williams being a perfect complementary rising star. 

These comments from Gilgeous-Alexander are the epitome of a winning culture. Watching the way the team plays -- a style that involves everyone and takes each of the five guys to work -- it makes sense that the Thunder has such a strong relationship off the court.

For the Thunder to be continually outsized and sometimes outmanned in matchups, their ability to play together allows them to over-succeed and find winning ways, which has led to their quick start to the season.