Patryk Stachowiak
In an NBA era defined by high-volume three-point shooting, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is proving that superstars don’t need to embrace the league’s most popular trend to dominate it. While most elite guards rely heavily on long-range attempts to power their scoring output, the Oklahoma City Thunder MVP continues to excel by leaning on a far more traditional — yet brutally effective — formula.
Ironically, this season he is shooting the three well, clearing 41% from deep after several seasons of fluctuation. But efficiency and frequency are two very different things, and Wednesday night’s 113–105 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves once again showcased a version of SGA that looks more like an early-2000s assassin than a modern-day volume gunner.
SGA Shows He Doesn’t Need the Three to Take Over
Against Minnesota, Gilgeous-Alexander delivered one of the most commanding performances of the NBA season: 40 points, shooting 12-for-19 from the field, while attempting just two three-pointers all night. He hit one. The rest came from pure mid-range mastery and relentless downhill pressure, backed by a surgical 15-for-17 showing at the free-throw line.
This is where SGA separates himself. His game blends old-school principles with modern footwork and creativity. His step-back — a staple of today’s offensive landscape — is typically deployed in the mid-range, not from 28 feet like James Harden or Luka Dončić. And when he attacks the basket, he does it with the kind of body control and contact manipulation that makes him one of the league’s most efficient foul-drawers.
An Old-School Profile Thriving in a New-School League
Some fans argue that Gilgeous-Alexander “hunts” fouls, but the results speak for themselves. He’s elite at getting to the line, and more importantly, elite at converting once he gets there. It’s a cornerstone of his scoring profile — and a massive advantage in late-game situations and high-leverage matchups.
Despite his preference for mid-range and driving lanes, Shai entered Wednesday averaging 5.4 three-point attempts per game — comfortably above his career average of 3.8. So the long-range shot is there when he needs it. It simply isn’t the foundation of his game, nor does he force it for the sake of conforming to the league’s meta.
Read also: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Named NBA 2K26 Cover Star After Historic MVP Season
Thunder’s Historic Start Behind an MVP-Caliber Superstar
With Gilgeous-Alexander leading the way, the Thunder have surged to a remarkable 18–1 record to open the 2025-26 campaign. Their combination of elite defense, balanced scoring, and Shai’s steady late-game brilliance puts them firmly in the hunt for a potential single-season wins record — if health cooperates.
Individually, SGA is once again positioning himself at the center of the MVP conversation. His numbers, efficiency, and impact on winning mirror — and in some cases exceed — his production from last season. Back-to-back MVPs are no longer a long-shot narrative. They’re becoming a realistic expectation.
Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder return to action Friday at 7:30 PM EST in Oklahoma City, where they’ll host the Phoenix Suns in another marquee Western Conference battle.