The Thunder currently sit atop the Western Conference at 19-5 and are heading to Las Vegas for the NBA Cup semifinals.
Much of their success is thanks to their longest-tenured player and MVP candidate, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. As the MVP race heats up, he is making a strong case to bring home the trophy.
SGA’s Case for MVP
The star guard is currently averaging an impressive 30.2 points per game, along with 6.3 assists and 1.8 steals, while leading the team to the best net rating in the association. For the average Thunder fan, this level of excellence has become the norm for Gilgeous-Alexander.
Although Gilgeous-Alexander has averaged more than 30 points each of the last two seasons, the way he is reaching that mark this season is quite different. By nearly doubling his 3-point shot attempts, he has diversified his scoring approach and developed a smoother release on his long-range jumpers. His 3-point percentage remains around his career average of 34%, but he is appearing much more comfortable attempting pull-up threes, such as this one over Luka Doncic.
In previous years, it seemed Gilgeous-Alexander needed a rhythm dribble to get into his jumper from 3-point range, but that hasn’t been the case this season. He now confidently steps into catch-and-shoot opportunities from that distance as well.
Inside-the-Arc Dominance
Gilgeous-Alexander is shooting a blistering 59.1% from 2-point range, a mark rarely achieved by guards in the NBA. He has reached this level of efficiency despite 77.9% of his field-goal attempts in that range being unassisted, showcasing his generational ability to create shots inside the arc.
While he creates the majority of his scoring opportunities using his elite deceleration and shot-making, Gilgeous-Alexander is also benefitting from the new Thunder center’s screening abilities. Isaiah Hartenstein is averaging 4.4 screen assists per game, which puts him fourth in the league. Hartenstein’s ability to block off defenders chasing Gilgeous-Alexander has led to easier scoring chances, such as a pin-down, which led to free throws.
Hartenstein’s screening creates angles for Gilgeous-Alexander to get into his jumper and attack bigger defenders who are unaccustomed to guarding players with his skill set.
Shai on the Defensive End
Gilgeous-Alexander continues to occupy a help-defense role this season and has excelled at deflecting passes and blocking shots from the weak side. He uses his long arms and quick hands to average 2.6 deflections per game, ranking in the top 50 in the league.
With star forward/center Chet Holmgren out, Gilgeous-Alexander’s production on the defensive end has helped the Thunder go 11-3 and maintain the best defensive rating in the league.
Is it enough to win MVP?
The most recent NBA Kia MVP ladder ranks Gilgeous-Alexander at fourth, but if he continues to lead the Thunder to the best record in the West while maintaining his current level of play, that will likely change. Jokic is putting together one heck of a case for his fourth MVP, but Shai might be the guy who gets in his way.
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