Beyond the Box Score: What Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Did That the Numbers Missed

Superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander from Oklahoma City continues to impress as one of toughest players in the NBA as of recent. On November 7 against the Wizards he scored 30 points, dished 9 assists and grabbed 2 rebounds and blocked 1 shot. Despite winning by an easy 114 to 75 for the Thunder however, what was even more impressive was what Gilgeous-Alexander did. Scoring efficiently and handling offense well he also assisted his teammates to find scoring chances throughout the game.

One of the most important details is the shooting efficiency. Alexander Gilgeous shot 11 out of 20 from the field including 3 of 5 on three pointers and he hit 5 free throws too. This is an outstanding performance from offense side that does not depend on high possession count or minutes. His scoring ability from all over the court forces oppositions to react and this lets other offensive players succeed too for Oklahoma City. He finished with 9 assists and showed his influence went far beyond just scoring.

The bigger story of the game was how Oklahoma City turned a competitive match into an easy win. Thunder scored 26 points on a run in the third quarter and then went on to dominate in the fourth by 24 points. Presence of Gilgeous Alexander was important for setting offense into a rhythm that enabled Oklahoma City to increase separation. His ability to deal with defensive pressure, to control the pace when necessary and to make good choices cannot be fully quantified by traditional scoring metrics. Playing with confidence that understanding of how to control the game was not just relying on one player but on teamwork.

One important factor was also the supporting cast. Jared McCain scored 19 points, Aday Mara 18, Ajay Mitchell 12 and Bennett Stirtz 11 as well. Such balanced scoring indicates that Oklahoma City is very dangerous when leading scorer Gilbert Alexander also creates scoring chances for others. Alexander does not need to score 40 or 50 points every game for Thunder to win; his ability to get fouled and to find others also makes other players crucial contributors.

Ultimately, performance against Washington has been once again a reminder that evaluating superstars in the NBA is much more than looking at box scores. Thirty points are impressive but a combination of efficiency and shooting, nine assists and low turnovers and also offensive tempo control makes performance even more valuable. Final score plus 21 was achieved by playing less than 30 minutes and Oklahoma City won by 39 points. Scores show efficient scoring but the bigger picture clearly shows a player who knows how to make a team stronger better. This is what distinguishes a great scorer from a key franchise player.