OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander knows the outside view of him and the Oklahoma City Thunder squad he leads have changed significantly in the past year.

Gilgeous-Alexander is the reigning MVP and the Thunder are the defending NBA champions — firsts for both. Now, a team that was rarely seen beyond its local market last season has a schedule filled with national television appearances.

For all the new awards and attention, Gilgeous-Alexander is focused on what has remained the same. Most of the roster that won the title after a 68-14 regular season is intact. Gilgeous-Alexander, All-Star Jalen Williams and rising star Chet Holmgren all signed extensions in the off-season.

Gilgeous-Alexander hopes the familiar faces lead to familiar results. For that to happen, he believes tha

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