Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's Evolving Skillset: A Threat to the NBA

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Oklahoma City Thunder's franchise cornerstone, has emerged as a true force to be reckoned with in the NBA. During the team's recent first-round playoff sweep of the New Orleans Pelicans, Gilgeous-Alexander unveiled a dangerous new skill that has the potential to elevate his game to even greater heights.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has long been recognized as a rising star in the NBA, possessing an impressive combination of athleticism, ball-handling skills, and scoring prowess. However, during the first round of the 2023 Western Conference playoffs, he showcased a new aspect of his game that has taken opponents by surprise: his ability to create and convert tough shots from mid-range.

Throughout the four-game sweep of the New Orleans Pelicans, Gilgeous-Alexander consistently displayed an uncanny knack for getting to his spots on the floor and making efficient shots from the mid-range area. This skill, which has been a hallmark of many NBA greats, allows him to bypass defenders and create scoring opportunities even when the primary options are unavailable.

In Game 1, Gilgeous-Alexander dropped 35 points, connecting on 14-of-24 field goal attempts. Notably, he drained several clutch mid-range jumpers in the fourth quarter, keeping the Pelicans at bay and propelling the Thunder to a crucial Game 1 victory.

Game 2 saw a similar performance from Gilgeous-Alexander, as he poured in 31 points on an efficient 12-of-21 shooting. Once again, his ability to create space and knock down mid-range shots proved invaluable, particularly in the second half when the Pelicans attempted to claw back into contention.

In Game 3, Gilgeous-Alexander's mid-range game reached its peak, as he erupted for 40 points while connecting on an astonishing 17-of-30 field goals. His relentless drives to the basket and pinpoint pull-up jumpers from the mid-range area left Pelicans defenders helpless, effectively ending any hope of a comeback.

In the series-clinching Game 4, Gilgeous-Alexander capped off his impressive performance with 26 points on 10-of-19 shooting. Once again, he displayed a masterful command of the mid-range game, punishing the Pelicans with his ability to create his own shot and convert at a high percentage.

Gilgeous-Alexander's emergence as a mid-range threat has added a dangerous dimension to his already formidable arsenal. By consistently creating and converting tough shots in this area, he becomes even more unpredictable and difficult to defend.

Opponents are now forced to account for his ability to score from beyond the arc, mid-range, and around the basket, making it nearly impossible to limit his scoring output.

As Gilgeous-Alexander continues to develop this skill, he has the potential to become one of the most dangerous offensive weapons in the entire NBA. His ability to create his own shot and score efficiently from anywhere on the floor makes him a matchup nightmare for defenders.

With the Thunder possessing a promising young core led by Gilgeous-Alexander, the addition of a reliable mid-range game could be the difference between playoff contention and championship aspirations. As the Thunder embark on the next chapter of their rebuild, it is clear that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has taken a significant step forward, putting the league on notice that he is a true superstar in the making.