In the realm of basketball, certain players often garner attention for their flashy dunks, acrobatic layups, or lockdown defense. However, amidst the spotlight on high-flying stars, one player quietly but consistently makes his mark from beyond the arc: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
The Oklahoma City Thunder’s dynamic point guard may not have been known as an elite 3-point shooter in recent seasons, but that narrative is rapidly changing. Gilgeous-Alexander’s dedication to improving his long-range shooting has become increasingly evident, and his recent performances have left fans and analysts alike marveling at his prowess from downtown.
Throughout his career, Gilgeous-Alexander has thrived as a midrange maestro, effortlessly navigating through defenders and finishing with finesse around the basket. However, his ability to stretch the floor with a reliable outside shot has often been seen as the missing piece to his offensive arsenal.
In his second year with the Thunder, Gilgeous-Alexander showcased glimpses of his potential as a sharpshooter, shooting an impressive 41.8% from beyond the arc. However, as his role expanded and defensive attention increased, his shooting percentages dipped in subsequent seasons.
Despite facing adversity, Gilgeous-Alexander remained undeterred in his quest to elevate his game. Last season, he showed signs of improvement, albeit modest, with a 34.5% shooting percentage from 3-point range. However, it is his recent surge from downtown that has truly turned heads and solidified his status as a legitimate threat from deep.
Over the last 15 games, Gilgeous-Alexander has been nothing short of sensational from beyond the arc, shooting an astounding 53.5% on 2.9 attempts per game. His ability to knock down step-back jumpers and spot-up threes with precision has added a new dimension to his offensive repertoire, making him an even more formidable scoring threat.
While Gilgeous-Alexander’s 3-point resurgence may have flown under the radar for some, it has undoubtedly caught the attention of opponents and basketball aficionados alike. As the Thunder’s young star continues to hone his craft and expand his skill set, there’s no telling how high his ceiling may be.
In a league filled with sharpshooters and scoring savants, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is quickly emerging as one of the NBA’s best-kept secrets. With his deadly accuracy from beyond the arc and unwavering determination to improve, don’t be surprised if he soon becomes a household name among basketball’s elite.