(Photo : Michael Reaves/Getty Images) CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (#2) of the Oklahoma City Thunder dribbles towards the Chicago Bulls in the course of the first half on the United Center on October 25, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has established himself as one of many premier gamers within the league over the previous two seasons. And even with that recognition, he has showcased an much more notable enchancment within the ongoing 2023-24 NBA marketing campaign.
The 25-year-old is coming off a breakout marketing campaign final 12 months, throughout which he earned his inaugural NBA All-Star Game choice and secured his first All-NBA nod, notably touchdown a spot on the distinguished First Team.
In the offseason, Gilgeous-Alexander performed a pivotal position in guiding his dwelling nation, Canada, to a bronze medal on the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
In an exhilarating time beyond regulation victory, they overcame Team USA, securing a third-place end within the worldwide match. Gilgeous-Alexander was named to the World Cup All-Tournament Team.
The Ontario native has even elevated his recreation additional this season, placing him in MVP conversations, particularly with the Thunder successful many video games.
Gilgeous-Alexander is at present averaging 30.7 factors, 5.5 rebounds, 6.4 assists and a league-leading 2.7 steals per recreation.
The former Kentucky standout can also be capturing 54.2 p.c from the sector, 32.4 p.c from three-point distance, and a staggering 91.3 p.c from the free-throw line.
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Why Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Should Win MVP
1. The Thunder is successful.
In distinction to the earlier season, when the Thunder completed with a 40-42 file, securing the tenth seed within the Western Conference however finally falling within the play-in match, this 12 months has marked a major turnaround.
Currently, they’re boasting a 16-8 file and are seeded third within the Western Conference.
Notably, they’ve achieved spectacular victories towards formidable opponents, together with the defending champions Denver Nuggets, the conference-leading Minnesota Timberwolves, in addition to the Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks, and a notable three triumphs over the Golden State Warriors.
2. Improved playmaking
The Canadian guard is at present averaging a career-high 6.4 assists, largely because of an enhanced supporting forged that permits him to capitalize on his affect on the courtroom and actively contain his teammates within the recreation.
Thunder rookie middle Chet Holmgren performs a giant position on this enchancment, receiving the best variety of assists from Gilgeous-Alexander and persistently getting probably the most passes from him in every recreation.
3. Shai’s clutch performances
Gilgeous-Alexander has solidified his repute as a clutch performer, securing the seventh place within the voting for the 2022-23 NBA Clutch Player of the Year.
During their highway recreation towards the defending NBA champions Denver Nuggets on Saturday, December 16, the 6-foot-6 guard nailed the go-ahead basket with 0.9 seconds remaining to offer his workforce a slender 118-117 victory.
The shot exemplified sheer confidence because the 2023 All-NBA First Team member actively referred to as for the ball after a vital defensive cease. Dribbling to his most well-liked spot on the left elbow, simply earlier than the free-throw line, he executed a turnaround fadeaway jumper over the 6-foot-7 wing Peyton Watson.
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