Like Dennis Schroder or his teammate Dillon Brooks, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is riding high on his excellent World Cup, and last night, against the Cavaliers, the All-Star guard flirted with his career record. It was just a point away as SGA scored 43 points in the Thunder’s victory. An impressive total when we know that he “only” shot 22 times.
Because Gilgeous-Alexander is fearsomely effective, in his very recognizable style. Facing Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell, he went for his usual baskets. Without ever really forcing, and always at mid-distance or near the circle.
The right talent
“I know this is where I’m best” he explains. “I felt good when I arrived. I just wanted to play fast, in my comfort zone, and make the right move.”
What appeals to his coach, and undoubtedly his teammates, is that SGA does not try to do too much. He is not classified among the crunchers, and this night, he tried to make others play, and we saw him looking for extra passes to find the most open shot.
“ When they take me with two or send several players on me, it’s always important to make the right move” confirms the Canadian. “That’s how I was taught to play, and at the end of the day, I just want to win.” My partners are very good, and it’s easy to trust them. »
An almost perfect first half
A mentality that pleases his coach, who is very lucky to be able to count on a leader who does not seek isolation or to play the hero. “It’s not like he took the game on his own and dominated Cleveland” underlines Mark Daigneault. “The ball moved around, and that’s where we become difficult to defend. »
On arrival, Gilgeous-Alexander scored 43 points on 15 out of 22 shots. We will remember his first half with 21 points on 10 of 11 shots, but also his 7 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 interceptions. In 38 minutes.
| 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 | 6 | 35 | 48.0 | 30.8 | 90.3 | 0.7 | 6.3 | 7.0 | 6.5 | 2.2 | 2.3 | 2.5 | 0.5 | 25.7 |
| Total | 317 | 33 | 48.4 | 34.6 | 84.6 | 0.7 | 3.9 | 4.6 | 4.6 | 2.2 | 1.3 | 2.3 | 0.7 | 21.2 | |
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.
