Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has made a significant impact in the NBA, recently winning his first MVP award and pushing the Oklahoma City Thunder within reach of an NBA title. Through advanced pose-tracking analytics from the NBA and Sportradar, we can explore his unique scoring abilities, which highlight a striking departure from the three-point-heavy strategies that have dominated the league since Stephen Curry’s rise to prominence.
While Curry revolutionized the game with his long-range shooting, Gilgeous-Alexander exemplifies a revival of offensive tactics focused on scoring inside the arc. In the 2024 playoffs, he scored a remarkable 85% of his points from within the three-point line, showcasing his exceptional skill with rim attacks and midrange jumpers. In fact, during the Western Conference finals, 46 of his 53 field goals came from inside the arc, a testament to his ability to navigate defenses effectively.
His driving ability is unparalleled; he led the NBA with over 20 drives per game in the regular season. This trend has continued through the playoffs, where he accumulated 48 driving attempts in just five games during the conference finals. His knack for changing speeds and directions makes him particularly adept at drawing fouls, as evidenced by the 147 free throws he has taken this postseason.
SGA’s game isn’t just about slashing to the rim; he also excels in midrange shooting, with over a third of his postseason attempts coming from this often-undervalued area. His efficiency in scoring—particularly on jump shots in the 8 to 16-foot range—has been noteworthy, converting over 53% of those attempts, a rate comparable to other elite shooters in the league.
Moreover, Gilgeous-Alexander’s ability to score both efficiently and in volume marks a new era in NBA offense, steering the focus back to versatile wing players who can attack in myriad ways. This blend of skills not only makes him a challenge to defend but also brings fresh excitement to the game, reminiscent of past legends who thrived with midrange scoring.
As the Thunder prepare to face the Indiana Pacers in the Finals, they will be counting on SGA’s formidable arsenal to lead the charge. Stopping him will be a daunting task for Indiana, as Gilgeous-Alexander demonstrates that a talented guard can still dominate the game without relying exclusively on three-point shooting. His adaptability and scoring prowess could pave the way for a new dynasty in Oklahoma City, emphasizing that the evolution of the game is always in motion, and perhaps bringing a refreshing shift back towards traditional basketball techniques.