Shai Gilgeous-Alexander entered the 2024-25 NBA season with considerable expectations after his strong previous campaign. The Oklahoma City Thunder guard had recently averaged 30.1 points on 53.5% shooting and contributed 6.2 assists per game, helping elevate the team to a 57-win season and the top seed after missing the playoffs the year before. However, Gilgeous-Alexander not only met those expectations but surpassed them, becoming the driving force behind a historic Thunder campaign.
Record-Breaking Performance Powers Oklahoma City to Championship Glory
Over the season, Gilgeous-Alexander’s scoring average jumped to 32.7 points per game, securing the NBA’s inaugural scoring title. His playmaking improved as well, with 6.4 assists per game, leading the Thunder to a franchise-best 68 wins and ultimately to their first NBA championship. His achievements earned him the regular-season MVP, Western Conference Finals MVP, and NBA Finals MVP honors—cementing his status as one of the league’s top stars.
The Critical Role of Gilgeous-Alexander’s Mid-Range Game
At the heart of Gilgeous-Alexander’s offensive success was his polished mid-range shooting. He connected on 49.2% of his shots between three and ten feet and 53.5% between ten feet and the three-point line during the regular season, expertly blending volume and efficiency. Hall of Famer Carmelo Anthony, a former Thunder player, discussed the importance of the mid-range shot during his 7PM in Brooklyn podcast, emphasizing how key that skill was for championship teams.
Any championship team that you’ve watched win a championship — they win the game in the mid-range,
Anthony said.
When it comes down to it, you have to get a bucket. Your three ain’t going to always be there. You ain’t going to always be able to get to the rack.
— Carmelo Anthony, Basketball Hall of Famer
Adjustments in Playoff Strategy Highlight Mid-Range Efficiency
In the playoffs, defenses tightened considerably, forcing teams to adapt. Gilgeous-Alexander increased his mid-range shot attempts, taking 59.3% of his total field goals from this area compared to 53.2% during the regular season. Throughout the Thunder’s playoff run, he maintained reliable mid-range efficiency, shooting 49.0% from three to ten feet and 46.8% from ten feet to the three-point line, even as his percentages at the rim and beyond the arc declined.
The Thunder faced numerous close contests throughout the postseason, testing their resilience after an 82-game regular season that involved fewer challenges. Gilgeous-Alexander’s ability to consistently deliver key mid-range baskets proved crucial in deciding multiple tight games.
Carmelo Anthony on Gilgeous-Alexander’s Offensive Approach and Impact
If you have a middy, you’re dangerous,
Anthony noted.
Shai is dangerous because he plays for taking the best shot. It ain’t about numbers or shooting the trey. If you back off, I’m pulling. If I’m in the paint, I get here and this shot is wide open, I’m taking this shot.
— Carmelo Anthony, Basketball Hall of Famer
The Significance of the Mid-Range Game for Oklahoma City Thunder’s Future
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s mastery of the mid-range game underpinned the Thunder’s dominance throughout the entire season and postseason. His efficient scoring between the paint and three-point line forced defenses to constantly adjust, giving Oklahoma City a reliable weapon when other options were limited. This skill not only helped the team secure its first championship but also established Gilgeous-Alexander as an elite offensive talent with a versatile scoring arsenal.
As the Thunder prepare for the upcoming season, Gilgeous-Alexander’s continued mid-range proficiency will likely remain a cornerstone of their offense, shaping team strategies and influencing their chances of sustained success.