Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: The Renaissance of the Mid-Range Shot in the NBA

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: The Midrange Maestro Dominating the NBA

In a crucial moment of the fourth game of the NBA Finals, with the score against them by one point and the fate of the Oklahoma City Thunder at stake, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander took control. With the ball in his left hand, he faced Aaron Nesmith of the Indiana Pacers. Gilgeous-Alexander moved to the left, using two quick dribbles to get away from the defense. Nesmith stayed close, but the MVP surprised him with a hard contact to the chest, sending the defender to the ground. Despite the protests over a supposed offensive foul, Gilgeous-Alexander remained calm and scored a mid-range shot, giving Oklahoma City the definitive lead with 2:23 remaining in the game. This shot, uncommon in the modern NBA, is the hallmark of the league’s top scorer.

I gave Shai everything I had, everything that was in my arsenal. He’s a bigger version of me, bigger and faster.

Sam Cassell

Sam Cassell, former NBA coach, was key in Gilgeous-Alexander’s development. Although they only shared one season, Cassell laid the groundwork for the Clippers player’s offensive success. In a league dominated by three-pointers, Gilgeous-Alexander stands out for his mastery of the mid-range shot.

I know that’s the shot they’re giving up in the current game. They’re giving you the 15-foot jump shot. So I told him from day one, if this is the shot they’re giving you, let’s be exceptional at this shot. Let’s be the only player in the league who can be exceptional at this shot since they’re giving it to you.

Sam Cassell

Gilgeous-Alexander has perfected this shot, becoming a rarity in today’s NBA. His mid-range shot attempts and efficiency have increased in the last three seasons, solidifying him as an MVP player and one of the best scorers in league history. This season, Gilgeous-Alexander led the league with 32.7 points per game with 51.9% effectiveness. He managed to average at least 30 points with over 50% effectiveness for the third consecutive year, joining a select group that includes Giannis Antetokounmpo, Wilt Chamberlain, Adrian Dantley, and Michael Jordan. According to GeniusIQ data, Gilgeous-Alexander ranked second in 2-point jump shots made (261) and attempts (495), surpassed only by Sacramento’s DeMar DeRozan. His 52.7% effectiveness on these shots was only surpassed by Phoenix’s Kevin Durant among players who attempted at least 150 2-point shots. Gilgeous-Alexander joins Durant and Chris Paul as the only players with at least 250 2-point shots made with 50% efficiency or better in multiple seasons since player tracking began in 2013-14.

As my game has taken shape and I’ve matured, I’ve tried to hold onto what works and what feels comfortable. That’s one of those things that has become very comfortable. So I’ve figured out how to find certain spots in certain situations, and now I just play with that. But it all started with creating comfort, and [Cassell] had a big part in that, for sure.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

In the second game of the series, Gilgeous-Alexander demonstrated his versatility by scoring 34 points with 52% accuracy. His mastery of the mid-range shot was evident, making shots from different positions and over various defenders. The combination of size, strength, cunning, and skill makes Gilgeous-Alexander a difficult opponent to stop. His wingspan, strength, and ball-handling allow him to create space and outmaneuver his opponents. Thunder coach Mark Daigneault highlights the diversity of their game, both in movements and shots, which makes it difficult for the opposing defense. Gilgeous-Alexander is inspired by Kobe Bryant, studying his game and seeking to reach his level of skill and attack. Nembhard, his main defender in the Finals, acknowledges the difficulty of defending him, highlighting his physique, agility, and ability to score over the defense.