Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Stunning 3-Point Evolution Nears 50-40-90 Milestone
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has consistently redefined expectations since entering the NBA. With each passing season, he unveils new dimensions to his game, making him an increasingly formidable presence on the court. In his early years, the focus was on identifiable areas for improvement, aligning with the Oklahoma City Thunder’s broader developmental strategy. Enhancing his midrange shooting and drawing fouls were pivotal in his growth. Recently, his strides on the defensive end have also been noteworthy, showcasing his commitment to becoming a well-rounded player.
The Challenge of Improvement
For a player who has averaged over 30 points per game for three consecutive seasons and is coming off an MVP-caliber performance, pinpointing areas for growth can be a challenge. What once seemed like clear objectives have transitioned to finer details. Among these, 3-point shooting has stood out as a critical focus for Gilgeous-Alexander, who has long been known for his diverse offensive arsenal.
Historically, he has not been recognized as a deep-range sniper, but that narrative is changing. Last season, he significantly raised his 3-point attempts from 3.6 in 2022-23 to 5.7 in 2023-24. While his shooting percentage improved from 35.3% to 37.5%, it still fell short of his aspirations.
Historic Efficiency on the Horizon
This season, however, Gilgeous-Alexander has taken his shooting efficiency to new heights. Currently, he is converting 40.4% of his 3-point attempts on an average of 5.5 shots per game. This transformation not only establishes him as one of the most effective volume shooters on the Thunder but also highlights his remarkable evolution as an outside threat.
His overall shooting efficiency remains impressive as well, with a field goal percentage of 53.4% and an astounding 89.2% from the free-throw line. This puts him tantalizingly close to the elusive 90% mark, a benchmark that only adds to his potential.
Aiming for the 50-40-90 Club
Gilgeous-Alexander is on the brink of joining the prestigious 50-40-90 club, a rare accomplishment that signifies shooting excellence in the NBA. This exclusive group requires a player to achieve 50% shooting from the field, 40% from beyond the arc, and 90% from the free-throw line. Only nine players in NBA history have reached this milestone, with Kyrie Irving being the most recent in the 2020-21 season. Former Thunder superstar Kevin Durant also achieved this feat during his tenure in Oklahoma City back in 2012-13.
While Gilgeous-Alexander still has work to do, particularly in maintaining his free-throw accuracy, his improved 3-point shooting places him firmly in the conversation for this elite group. As the season progresses, the possibility of him reaching this esteemed level appears increasingly attainable, marking a remarkable chapter in his already impressive career.
