Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's Defensive Impact is Separating Him From Other MVP Candidates
Oklahoma City's superstar has a legitimate case for the 2023-24 MVP Award. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is on track to make another All-NBA First Team, and on Thursday night when All-Star starters are announced, there's a solid chance his name is included. He has followed up last season's breakout by taking his game to another level.
On offense, Gilgeous-Alexander has improved his efficiency. It didn't seem like there was much to improve on until he started averaging the same amount of points, but this time doing it on 54.6% from the floor. As a guard who takes a heavy dose of contested mid-range jumpers and tough shots at the rim, his percentages are mind-blowing.
A season ago, Gilgeous-Alexander began erasing the one-way narrative, too. He started to establish himself as a solid defender and played hard on both ends of the floor.
This year, though, his biggest jump has been on the defensive end. Improving his offensive efficiency while turning into a premier defender has been a special sight to see. Usually, high-usage offensive superstars simply don't have the energy to play both ways at an elite level. Gilgeous-Alexander has done just that, however.
And that's how he has started to separate himself from the MVP pack.
SGA is currently averaging a whopping 2.3 steals per game. With the ball in his hands a majority of the game, and most of his work coming in isolation settings, he is averaging more steals than turnovers.
In 2023-24, Gilgeous-Alexander has 98 total steals, which leads the NBA by a large margin. The closest player to SGA is Matisse Thybulle, who has 68 total steals. Leading the pack by 30 steals further showcases just how dominant he has been on that end of the floor.
He's a solid on-ball defender, as he's able to take on superstar guard matchups, but he's an even better off-ball defender. With Lu Dort by his side, Gilgeous-Alexander is able to record deflections and lurk in the passing lanes.
He leads the NBA in deflections per game at 3.6 and total deflections by any player this season. He's also first in loose balls recovered.
His impact on the defensive side of the ball is noticeable, and it's helping his MVP case.
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