How OKC Thunder Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Has Pursued 'The Best Version' of Himself

After earning his first All-Star bid last season, Oklahoma City's superstar guard has his heights set even higher in 2023-24

After a remarkable 2022-23 campaign that earned Shai Gilgeous-Alexander the first All-Star selection of his career, it was difficult to imagine that the Kentucky product could make another leap heading into his sixth NBA season.

Yet, SGA has notched another impressive year from the All-NBA guard, who is averaging 30.3 points, 6.2 assists, 5.6 rebounds and two steals per game.

Not only is Gilgeous-Alexander averaging a career high in rebounds and assists, the talented two-way player is also leading the NBA in steals.

The 6-foot-6 Canadian credits his sustained offensive success and improvement on defense to his routine and consistency.

“Through my years in the NBA, I’ve tried to create a routine and a schedule for myself," Gilgeous-Alexander said to Royce Young in a recent episode of The Path. "It ultimately gives myself the best chance every night to feel the same way before the game. Give myself the best chance to perform at the highest level.”

The results of Gilgeous-Alexander's consistent routine have shown on the court, as the Thunder standout has recorded 51 games with at least 30 points this season, breaking OKC legend Kevin Durant's franchise record and leading the league in 30-point outings.

Being able to score 30 points with regularity while also being a solid defender is an impressive feat, and SGA says that hours of training and practice from every spot the court have allowed him to have success on offense.

“I think it’s gotten to the point where, I feel really comfortable almost everywhere on the floor, Gilgeous-Alexander said. "I have a move or a certain shot that I like to shoot almost at every spot. Knowing that you can get to a spot and be comfortable every time you get there is the feeling I’m after and what my work goes towards.”

In addition to his scoring prowess, Oklahoma City's lead guard also takes pride in helping his teammates improve. This season, players like Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren and Lu Dort have all performed well.

Williams has improved once again after earning All-Rookie honors last year, Dort has notched one of the best shooting seasons of his career and Holmgren will likely be second place in Rookie of the Year voting behind Victor Wembanyama.

While each of the aforementioned players has put in work to make improvements on their own game, Gilgeous-Alexander being such a lethal scoring threat has resulted in defenses having to focus their efforts on the All-Star guard, giving more opportunity to other Thunder players.

“To win you have to be able to affect the game and not hinder the growth and success of other people," Gilgeous-Alexander said. "The most important thing is winning big, that’s why you play, that’s why you wake up every morning, that’s why you work so hard in the offseason. You want to win a championship and whatever it takes, I’m willing to do.”

After receiving All-Star and All-NBA honors in 2022-23, it seems likely that SGA will once again be named to the All-NBA team after the current season concludes. Additionally, Gilgeous-Alexander is firmly in the mix for the MVP award after being fifth in voting for the Michael Jordan Trophy last year.

After being a Play-In team last season, Gilgeous-Alexander and the improvement of his teammates has led to the Thunder securing one of the top three seeds in the Western Conference and a shot at the top spot heading into the final game of the regular season.

“I’m after greatness, I’m after the best version of myself and pushing those limits and seeing what they are,” Gilgeous-Alexander said.

The Thunder will meet the Dallas Mavericks at the Paycom Center on Sunday afternoon with the No. 1 seed in the West on the line. With a win, OKC would hold the top spot heading into the postseason.

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