In a critical moment late in Game 4 of the 2025 NBA Finals, with the Oklahoma City Thunder`s season hanging in the balance, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander took possession near the left sideline. Seeking the one-on-one opportunity he desired, he faced Indiana Pacers wing Aaron Nesmith. Shai swiftly drove left, executing two powerful dribbles to isolate himself from the rest of the defense. Nesmith initially maintained tight coverage, but Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a sudden, strong forearm across his chest – a forceful move that sent the defender to the floor. As Pacers fans protested the contact, Gilgeous-Alexander gathered himself, stepped back for a 15-foot baseline jumper, and released the shot over the late contest attempt from Andrew Nembhard.
The shot dropped cleanly through the net, giving Oklahoma City the lead for good with 2:23 remaining and securing a crucial comeback win to tie the series. The most significant play of Gilgeous-Alexander`s career unfolded via a midrange jumper – a shot often undervalued in today`s analytics-driven NBA, yet one that the league`s top scorer has perfected.
This proficiency likely brings satisfaction to Sam Cassell, a former NBA assistant coach whose playing days were marked by his mastery of the midrange game. Cassell coached Gilgeous-Alexander for a single season and shared his knowledge, describing Shai as simply “a bigger and faster version” of himself.
Although their time together was brief, the groundwork for Gilgeous-Alexander`s offensive dominance was laid during their daily practice sessions in his rookie year with the LA Clippers. In a league increasingly prioritizing shots from beyond the three-point arc, Gilgeous-Alexander employs an old-school approach where the midrange game is a central component of his scoring attack.
Cassell explained that modern defenses are often content to allow the 15-foot pull-up shot. He advised Shai from the beginning to become exceptional at this specific shot. While analytical models may view it as inefficient, for Shai, it`s his reliable “bread and butter,” honed through dedicated work.
Today, defenses are less willing to concede the midrange to Gilgeous-Alexander, yet he continues to execute and make these shots at a remarkably high percentage, making him a rare player in any era, particularly the current one. In fact, his volume and efficiency on midrange attempts have increased over the past three seasons as he has emerged as an MVP and one of the most skilled scorers in league history.
This season, Gilgeous-Alexander led the NBA in scoring, averaging 32.7 points per game on 51.9% shooting. This was his third consecutive season achieving at least 30 points per game with over 50% accuracy, placing him in an exclusive group alongside greats like Wilt Chamberlain, Adrian Dantley, Michael Jordan, and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
According to shot tracking data, Gilgeous-Alexander ranked second in the league behind only DeMar DeRozan in both 2-point jump shots made (261) and attempted (495) this season. His 52.7% shooting percentage on these shots was second only to Kevin Durant among players with a minimum of 150 attempts.
Since player tracking began in 2013-14, only Gilgeous-Alexander, Kevin Durant, and Chris Paul have recorded multiple seasons with at least 250 made 2-point jumpers at 50% shooting or better.
Gilgeous-Alexander himself noted that as his game developed, he focused on what felt effective and comfortable. The midrange shot became highly comfortable, and he learned to consistently find specific spots and situations on the court. He acknowledged Cassell`s significant role in building this foundational skill.
Earlier in Game 2, a screen from Thunder guard Cason Wallace forced Tyrese Haliburton to switch onto Gilgeous-Alexander. The MVP quickly attacked, using a hard right-handed dribble to prevent Andrew Nembhard from recovering, then crossing over to drive towards the middle. Haliburton initially maintained defensive position, but Shai delivered a subtle yet powerful bump with his right shoulder as he gathered the ball, creating ample space for an uncontested pull-up shot near the free-throw line.
Thunder wing Alex Caruso highlighted Gilgeous-Alexander`s often-underestimated physical strength. His ability to reach 10 feet and then use a strong shoulder bump and spin off a defender is physically demanding for opponents. Crucially, he does this within the rules. He doesn`t always attack at maximum speed; he often allows defenders to get close to react and counter their movements. Caruso described him as a very intelligent player whose combination of basketball IQ and physical attributes makes him an MVP-caliber talent.
Game 2 itself was a showcase of Gilgeous-Alexander`s MVP performance – 34 points on 11-of-21 shooting, eight assists, and a masterclass in the midrange game. He successfully made 6 of 9 2-point jumpers, 4 of 8 floaters and layups, and 1 of 4 three-pointers.
He seamlessly hit midrange shots from various locations on the court over multiple defenders. Nearly all of these shots were taken off the dribble, consistent with his regular season performance where 248 out of his 261 made 2-point jumpers came after dribbling.
He left Bennedict Mathurin attempting to recover as he dribbled from the right wing to the left elbow with his left hand. When Mathurin reacted to a fake crossover, Gilgeous-Alexander executed a step-back into one of his preferred 18-foot spots. He emphasized the importance of having “multiple spots” and being effective driving in both directions, forcing defenders to make difficult choices and making him harder to guard.
He made a shot over Nesmith after a behind-the-back dribble to create separation, swished one just inside the top of the key over Myles Turner who defended cautiously against the drive, hit a challenging turnaround jumper over Mathurin on the left block (an instance of good defense being beaten by better offense), and used a shoulder bump on Ben Sheppard to create space for a fadeaway near the right elbow.
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault pointed out the versatility in Shai`s game. He can access the midrange area through various actions: post-ups, pick-and-rolls, isolations, or simply within the flow of the offense. This diversity, combined with his ability to pass, drive to the rim, and shoot threes, makes him difficult for opponents to predict and defend effectively.
There are clear resemblances in Gilgeous-Alexander`s playing style to that of Lakers legend Kobe Bryant. This is intentional. Like many players of his generation, Shai regarded Bryant as his favorite player and dedicated significant time to studying the nuances of his game.
Shai confirmed that he studied Kobe “a ton, more than anyone ever, for sure.” He expressed deep admiration for Bryant`s approach to the game and his incredible skill level, considering him one of the most skilled players in history. He believes Kobe`s prolific scoring career resulted directly from the combination of his immense skill and competitive drive, and he aspires to reach a similar level.
The blend of size, strength, basketball intelligence, and skill is what makes Gilgeous-Alexander so challenging to stop. Standing 6-6½ with a 6-11½ wingspan, he possesses the length needed to shoot over defenders. While listed at a lean 195 pounds, he has notable wiry strength, which defenders feel during contact. As Alex Caruso noted, he is a “master of angles,” using fakes, pivots, and other tactics to create space or draw fouls. His exceptional ball-handling allows him to control the tempo and navigate anywhere he wants on the court, a skill Cassell recognized years ago.
Cassell described Shai as a “deceiving” player. His speed, leaping ability, and overall game appear understated until a defender gets close. Then they realize just how tall and strong he actually is.
Andrew Nembhard, who was the primary defender against Gilgeous-Alexander in the Finals, was perhaps as prepared as anyone, having competed against him since childhood in Toronto. Nembhard understands that there are instances where Shai will simply score regardless of defensive effort. He described him as “physical and shifty,” making it difficult to stay tight with him. If a defender does manage to get close, Shai uses a bump. Furthermore, his height and length enable him to elevate and shoot over defenders. Nembhard concluded that Shai has clearly practiced these skills extensively.
