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What Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Said About Knicks' Arena After Thunder Win, 'Besides Paycom...'

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ryan Brooks | Last updated Jan 11, 2025 3:03 PM ET

The Oklahoma City Thunder have been a Western Conference powerhouse this season. They've been a force to be reckoned with, especially in their last 16 games.

With an NBA Cup final loss to the Milwaukee Bucks being taken off the board, the Thunder were able to enjoy a 15-game winning streak, which ended in a tightly-contested road battle against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

After suffering a loss to end the win streak, the Thunder course-corrected in a Friday night battle against the New York Knicks. Despite heading to one of the best atmospheres in the NBA that the Knicks offer against one of the best starting lineups in the league, the Thunder dismantled New York.

The contest was never all that close. Oklahoma City built a 20-plus point lead in the first half and never looked back.

Dominating a game early in the Madison Square Garden will certainly take away the home-court advantage the arena provides. There were some boos showering the Knicks at halftime as the Thunder were dominating New York and even some late-game cheers in favor of Oklahoma City as Isaiah Joe was piling on his career night.

After the game, Thunder superstar and MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander spoke about Madison Square Garden and how it ranks among venues in the NBA.

“Besides Paycom, it probably is the best arena in the NBA,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “It has a feel to it — the kids these days say aura. … there’s a feeling in MSG. The fans are very engaged in the game. There’s oohs, there’s aahs. The city loves basketball, and you can feel that out there.”

Evidently, Gilgeous-Alexander nailed it. New York City loves basketball, and the atmosphere in the historical arena constantly proves such -- no matter what product the Knicks are rolling out on the court.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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