Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been probably the greatest younger guards within the NBA for a couple of seasons now, however he’s by no means been named an All-Star. That’s about to alter in a giant manner: SGA has totally made the famous person leap this season, changing into one of many league’s deadliest halfcourt scorers because of a cool sport constructed on attacking the paint in off-beat rhythms.
Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 31 factors and 6 assists per sport for an Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder crew has been way more aggressive than anybody anticipated coming into the season. It’s unimaginable to maintain him out of the paint: SGA’s 24.7 drives per sport lead the NBA with a large hole over No. 2 Ja Morant and No. 3 Luka Doncic. Gilgeous-Alexander’s capability to get into the paint isn’t the opposite factor that makes him distinctive — he’s additionally uncommon NBA star who doesn’t complain a lot in regards to the referees.
Gilgeous-Alexander has given a couple of quotes acknowledging the robust job refs are requested to do, and apparently it’s paying off. After refusing to the bait on a query in regards to the officiating following a double OT loss to the Milwaukee Bucks final month, SGA is main the NBA free throw makes an attempt since … by quite a bit.
SGA when requested in regards to the refs on Nov. 9: “They’re people like us and make errors. They make a whole lot of proper calls too.”
Since then, he leads the league in whole FTAs at 154
The subsequent closest is Giannis at 133
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) December 8, 2022
Gilgeous-Alexander is now averaging 10 free throws per sport on the season — the third highest quantity within the league behind solely Giannis and Luka. He’s taking pictures 92.6 % from the foul line, which is one of the best mark within the league for anybody who has shot at the least 50 free throws to date.
Right here’s the clip of Gilgeous-Alexander’s speaking in regards to the refs after the loss the Bucks on Nov. 9:
“They’re people like us and make errors. They make a whole lot of proper calls too.”
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s response to feedback on final evening’s officiating may make him essentially the most Canadian athlete.
: @UNCanadapic.twitter.com/9Qx143QniE
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) November 10, 2022
Why bait refs into foul calls when you’ll be able to simply give them unvarnished compliments and hope they do higher subsequent time? It is a refreshing strategy for an NBA famous person to have. It certain will get a bit of exhausting when gamers like Doncic act like each name that doesn’t go their manner is against the law in opposition to humanity.
SGA is prospering with a bit of kindness. Possibly we will all be taught a lesson from that.