HOFer coach takes offense to "Sonics and Thunder history" being clubbed at Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's expense

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had a historic night on Monday night in the OKC Thunder's 123-105 win over the Washington Wizards. However, Hall of Fame coach George Karl was not fond of SGA's accomplishments being a part of the Seattle SuperSonics record book.

In a post on X/Twitter, Karl, who coached the Sonics from 1992 to 1998, shared Gilgeous-Alexander's stats from the Thunder's 23rd win of the season. SGA became the first player in Thunder/Sonics history to score 40+ points and have three steals and three blocks.

"Don’t mix Sonics and Thunder history," Karl tweeted.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 41 points, nine rebounds, three assists, three steals and three blocks. It was one of his best performances of the season as the OKC Thunder made quick work of the Washington Wizards.

George Karl's comments are valid, especially for Seattle SuperSonics fans. However, the Thunder own the franchise, including the entire Sonics history. It will stay that way until the NBA awards Seattle a team in a potential expansion in the next few years.

According to ESPN, the history of the entire Sonics franchise will be awarded to the new Seattle team and the Thunder will be recognized as an expansion team that started in 2008.

It was the same thing that happened when the Charlotte Bobcats changed their names to the Hornets. Their previous history was regained from 1988 to 2002, while the two absent years before the Bobcats entered the league are treated as suspended seasons.

The New Orleans Pelicans were then recognized as an expansion team that started in 2002. They were known as the Hornets from 2002 to 2013 when they officially became the Pelicans.

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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander explains Thunder tradition after games

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander explains Thunder tradition after games. (Photo: IMAGN)

The OKC Thunder have a unique way to show their team chemistry and harmony after a win. The usual way to conduct postgame interviews is with the best player or the player with the most impact. However, the Thunder have made a tradition of doing it as a group.

Speaking to TNT's Stephanie Ready after the Thunder's win over the Orlando Magic last Thursday, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander explained why his teammates are with him during postgame interviews.

"To show our togetherness. We don't do anything by ourselves," Gilgeous-Alexander said, accoridng to Brandon Rahbar of Daily Thunder. "We win together, lose together, shop together, go to dinner together. Everything's together."

The Thunder is still a relatively young team, but they have great chemistry together on and off the court. It's one of the reasons why they finished last season as the No. 1 team in the Western Conference standings. They are still atop the standings this season despite being plagued by injuries early, including to star center Chet Holmgren.