Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Battles Hounding Defenses By Opening Up Opportunities For Teammates

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander drew a handful of double teams and different looks from Team USA, but none of it mattered. His unselfish play style led to victory.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has done a little bit of everything this summer, impacting the game in so many different ways for Team Canada. He's stepped up as a scorer, passer, rebounder, and on defense, truly doing it all for his squad.

For his FIBA finale, Gilgeous-Alexander was unstoppable on the offensive end. He poured in 31 points on 11-of-20 shooting and drilled all eight of his free throw attempts. He torched Team USA's defense over and over again, to the point where Steve Kerr had no idea what to do anymore. So he sent double teams, and maybe even a few triple teams.

"We tried everything," Kerr said after the game.

“When we doubled Shai, (Dillon) Brooks hit threes, and when we didn’t, he made shots from mid-range. Both of them deserve praise; they played exceptionally well," Team USA's head coach said.

In addition to Gilgeous-Alexander's efficient 31-piece, the star point guard added 11 assists. His teammate, Dillon Brooks, had a FIBA career-high of 39 points on 7-of-8 from 3-point range. His triples were nearly all wide open, and a product of Gilgeous-Alexander drawing an unbelievable amount of attention from Team USA's defense.

Instead of forcing his own shot when he was feeling it throughout the second half, he made winning plays and found teammates, like Brooks, leading Canada to victory. Gilgeous-Alexander's ability to distribute when needed is special, and his basketball I.Q. is off the charts.

With added floor spacing in Oklahoma City, his ability to draw the defense in and kick out will only be magnified. It could be a big part of the Thunder's success in 2023-23.

With added shooting on the floor, Oklahoma City's 3-point shooting could be on the rise. Isaiah Joe had a breakout season in 2022-23, and the team added Davis Bertans and Chet Holmgren this offseason. Gilgeous-Alexander will have even more opportunities to draw attention from the defense and make winning plays.

He continues to add to his game and Sunday was just another illustration of that. Anything his team needs, he can do.

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