Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder is the reigning MVP and could be just weeks away from becoming a champion for the first time.
It sometimes feels like there isn’t anything he can’t do.
The way that Gilgeous-Alexander controls his body allows for some deft shots and some great and important foul calls.
Speaking on SiriusXM NBA Radio, Gordon Hayward talked about these skills from Gilgeous-Alexander.
“[Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s] just so good at controlling his body and going right into you to draw contact, and then kind of getting off of your body at the right moments. He’s just figured that skill out perfectly. I think he’s one of the best in the league at starting and stopping, and also just turning and pivoting on each foot. He knows how much space he needs to create to get his shot off, and he’s obviously one of the best in the league at that,” Hayward said.
“I think he’s one of the best in the league at starting and stopping.”
–@gordonhayward on what makes SGA so impressive on @SiriusXMNBA 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/ShXixeZrop
— NBA (@NBA) May 30, 2025
Starting and stopping is all about control, and Gilgeous-Alexander has tons of that.
He dances up and down the court, able to weave through traffic and get himself to the basket or take a shot from the perimeter.
Watching him play is like watching someone who can move himself expertly.
Some people complain about how many fouls Gilgeous-Alexander gets during a game, saying he intentionally draws them in order to get the whistle and score at the free throw line.
Others feel that claim is dramatic.
And there are many who believe there is nothing wrong with drawing fouls, because it ultimately helps the team win.
Speaking of winning, Gilgeous-Alexander and his team have been doing it a lot lately.
They just took down the Minnesota Timberwolves and will now compete for a title after their best season in years.
They don’t know if they will face the New York Knicks or Indiana Pacers, but Gilgeous-Alexander will show up and show off in every game, no matter who the opponent is.
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