The Oklahoma City Thunder are playing like a team determined to prove last season’s championship run was only the beginning. After a 114–100 win over the Memphis Grizzlies , the Thunder improved to 10–1, maintaining the best record in the NBA behind the relentless leadership of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

The reigning MVP and Finals MVP has shown no signs of a championship hangover, averaging 33.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 6.0 assists through 11 games. But for Gilgeous-Alexander, the motivation driving Oklahoma City’s hot start isn’t about repeating success, but rather about redefining it.

“Honestly speaking, I didn’t like the way we won, if that makes sense,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “I didn’t think we won an NBA championship playing our best basketball. And that was the first time we’

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