Oklahoma City Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has captivated NBA audiences through a steady and impressive career progression since his debut. Over six seasons in Bricktown, Gilgeous-Alexander consistently defied expectations, evolving from a promising talent to a dominant force driving his team’s success. His playmaking leap during the 2024-25 season, marked by a career-high in assists alongside leading the league in scoring, has drawn significant admiration for his expanding skill set.
Evolution of Gilgeous-Alexander’s Assist Numbers Over the Years
Shai Gilgeous–Alexander’s growth as a facilitator is reflected in his assist averages, which have steadily climbed throughout his NBA tenure. Beginning with 3.3 assists per game in both the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons, he surged to 5.9 assists per game for two consecutive years, followed by a slight dip to 5.5 in 2022-23. The upward trend resumed with 6.2 assists per game in 2023-24, culminating in an impressive 6.4 assists per game during the 2024-25 campaign, underscoring his enhanced capability to create scoring opportunities.
Increased Creativity and Impact in Playmaking During 2024-25 Season
The 2024-25 season reinvigorated the Thunder’s offense, with Gilgeous-Alexander’s scoring prowess and playmaking chemistry elevating the team’s performance. His ability to navigate defenses and deliver precise assists has become a defining aspect of his game. Throughout the campaign, Shai embraced more daring passing, opening lanes and setting up teammates for critical baskets, an evolution that has been widely noted by fans and analysts alike.
Highlight Moments That Showcase His Playmaking Brilliance
During the NBA’s designated assist week in August, which celebrates players’ passing skills, Gilgeous-Alexander was featured for one of the most inventive passes of his career. Against the Memphis Grizzlies in the first playoff round, he outmaneuvered defender Scotty Pippen Jr., weaving into the mid-paint before delivering a no-look pass over his shoulder to Lu Dort. Dort then executed a pass fake and drained a three-pointer, sparking excitement amidst the crowd and disrupting their usual “Lu” chant momentarily because of the unexpected brilliance on the pass.
Later in the playoffs, Shai’s creativity only increased. A standout instance in the Western Conference Finals showcased him pivoting and threading a bounce pass between the legs of a defender, producing a spectacular assist that seemed to conjure points from nowhere for Oklahoma City.
The Rising Significance of Gilgeous-Alexander’s Playmaking Leap
This escalating mastery of passing adds a crucial dimension to Gilgeous-Alexander’s repertoire, enhancing his threat level as one of the NBA’s premier players. His ongoing development as a playmaker not only elevates his individual value but also transforms the Thunder’s offensive dynamic, making their attack more unpredictable and potent. As the season progresses, expectations remain high for Shai to push the boundaries even further, solidifying his status among the sport’s elite.
“Oklahoma City’s offseason got a shot of life not only by Gilgeous-Alexander’s elite level scoring in the mid-range and getting to the rim but along with his ability to dish the rock.” —Rylan Stiles, Lead Beat Writer
“A pass that adventurous has rarely been seen to that point by Gilgeous-Alexander, catching everyone off guard with the sizzle and flare on the dime for a typical one-read and safe playmaker.” —Rylan Stiles, Lead Beat Writer
As Shai Gilgeous–Alexander continues to evolve, his playmaking leap is proving pivotal not only for his own career trajectory but also for the Oklahoma City Thunder’s aspirations. His combination of scoring and passing prowess sets him apart, promising thrilling NBA moments ahead. Fans and analysts alike eagerly anticipate how far this remarkable guard will elevate his team moving forward.