Let’s face it, nobody likes shots. That presents a dilemma for anyone receiving the COVID vaccine, which is being administered to millions across the country as we speak.
Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC’s leading scorer this year at a robust 23.7 points per game, has never been a fan of needles. That would explain the 22-year-old’s lack of body art, a rarity in today’s tattoo-covered NBA. So when Gilgeous-Alexander went to get vaccinated Tuesday, he sought out a teammate for moral support.
Cognizant of his pal’s uneasiness around needles, second-year forward Lu Dort stayed by Gilgeous-Alexander’s side throughout the ordeal, doing his best to alleviate SGA’s nerves by holding his hand.
There’s a certain irony in a 6’6’” giant sweating something as small as a routine shot (and doing so while wearing a 2Pac t-shirt), but I’m sure many could relate to Gilgeous-Alexander’s anxiety in that situation. The rebuilding Thunder aren’t having a particularly distinguished season—only seven teams have a worse record than OKC’s 19-27 mark through 46 games. But at least they’ve made lasting friendships along the way, as evidenced by the bond between Dort and his needle-weary teammate.
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