Second in the race for the MVP trophy, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander discovered unknown lands for several months. He is the leader of the Thunder, an ambitious team since it finished in first place in the Western Conference, and must therefore support his teammates by assuming this role.
He does it in his own way, quiet and discreet, like the baskets and points he scores, with impressive regularity. “Like everything he does: he is consistent and progressing as a leader. He is in training. He’s still learning at 25,” assures Mark Daigneault. “It’s the first time he’s played the playoffs in this position […] His whole life is organized around being the best player he can be. »
“He loves the process of becoming a great basketball player, as much as being a great player.”
To become the best player (possible), you have to work hard, with discipline, and behind the scenes. Not all great talents are capable of imposing such a framework on themselves. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander doesn't have this problem.
“Tom Brady said what he loves as much as football is getting ready to play football”paraphrases the Thunder coach. ” He's like that. He loves the process of becoming a great basketball player, as much as being a great player. We see the work behind it and that sets the tone for the rest. »
Words reminiscent of those of Stephen Curry, who also took the NFL legend as an example, for this daily management. “ All the little things we do every day, and all the work we do, add up to reach this stage again…” declared the Warriors playmaker. “The approach and discipline he demonstrates prove that there is no coincidence when a professional athlete achieves this longevity. There are therefore things to give ourselves the means to go further. »
Daily work and routine then allow you to reassure yourself when difficulties arise. Always with this cold and confident side. “He is looking for solutions. He wants to fix things. He is ready to work in this direction. That's the best thing about him.” still admires the Oklahoma City coach. “There are ups and downs in a match as in a season, and it’s not a disaster for him. He focuses on the next possession, the next day, the next game. »
| Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | L.F. | Off | Def | Early | Pd | Party | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2018-19 | LAKE | 82 | 27 | 47.6 | 36.7 | 80.0 | 0.7 | 2.1 | 2.8 | 3.3 | 2.1 | 1.2 | 1.7 | 0.6 | 10.8 |
| 2019-20 | OKAY | 70 | 35 | 47.1 | 34.7 | 80.7 | 0.7 | 5.2 | 5.9 | 3.3 | 1.7 | 1.1 | 1.9 | 0.7 | 19.0 |
| 2020-21 | OKAY | 35 | 34 | 50.8 | 41.8 | 80.8 | 0.5 | 4.2 | 4.7 | 5.9 | 2.0 | 0.8 | 3.0 | 0.7 | 23.7 |
| 2021-22 | OKAY | 56 | 35 | 45.3 | 30.0 | 81.0 | 0.7 | 4.3 | 5.0 | 5.9 | 2.5 | 1.3 | 2.8 | 0.8 | 24.5 |
| 2022-23 | OKAY | 68 | 36 | 51.0 | 34.5 | 90.5 | 0.9 | 4.0 | 4.8 | 5.5 | 2.8 | 1.7 | 2.8 | 1.0 | 31.4 |
| 2023-24 | OKAY | 75 | 34 | 53.5 | 35.3 | 87.4 | 0.9 | 4.7 | 5.5 | 6.2 | 2.5 | 2.0 | 2.2 | 0.9 | 30.1 |
| Total | 386 | 33 | 49.6 | 34.9 | 85.2 | 0.7 | 4.0 | 4.8 | 4.9 | 2.3 | 1.4 | 2.3 | 0.8 | 22.8 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
