In the high-stakes theater of the 2025 NBA Finals, with mere minutes ticking away in a pivotal Game 4, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder delivered a moment that transcended the scoreline. Trailing by a single point, the MVP orchestrated a deliberate isolation play. Against the determined defense of Indiana`s Aaron Nesmith, Gilgeous-Alexander executed a precise sequence: a calculated dribble, a subtle yet powerful forearm across his defender’s chest – a move that, to the chagrin of the home crowd, sent Nesmith tumbling – followed by a perfectly balanced 15-foot baseline jumper. The net swished, giving the Thunder a lead they would not relinquish, and ultimately paving the way for their championship victory.
This critical shot was not a three-pointer, nor was it a drive to the rim. It was a midrange jumper, a shot once considered a fundamental pillar of basketball offense, now largely dismissed as an inefficient relic by the modern game`s relentless pursuit of analytics. Yet, for Gilgeous-Alexander, it is the cornerstone of his unparalleled offensive prowess, a testament to an “old-school” approach in a “new-age” league.
Defying the Data: The Midrange Anomaly
For over a decade, NBA offensive strategy has been dictated by the numbers. Teams prioritize shots from beyond the arc or at the basket, where expected points per possession are highest. The midrange, that vast expanse between the paint and the three-point line, has been deemed the least efficient territory, a statistical dead zone to be avoided. Coaching staffs and general managers, armed with spreadsheets and predictive models, actively discourage these attempts, seeing them as less valuable than a contested three or a tough layup.
Enter Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the statistical anomaly who thrives precisely where the data tells him not to. His dedication to mastering this supposedly “bad” shot isn`t an act of rebellion, but a calculated exploitation of defensive philosophy. As defenses are coached to surrender the midrange in favor of protecting the paint and contesting threes, Gilgeous-Alexander steps into this “vacated” space, turning a perceived weakness into an overwhelming strength. It is, perhaps, a delightful irony that the very adherence to analytics has created an exploitable void for a player skilled enough to capitalize.
The Art of Precision: SGA`s Midrange Arsenal
Gilgeous-Alexander`s success in the midrange is not merely about taking the shots; it`s about making them at an elite level, and with remarkable consistency. In a season where he led the league in scoring with 32.7 points per game on a hyper-efficient 51.9% shooting, the midrange was his undeniable bread and butter. He consistently ranked among the league leaders in two-point jump shots made and attempted, maintaining an efficiency that rivaled the game`s most polished scorers, including legends like Kevin Durant and Chris Paul.
His technique is a sophisticated blend of physical attributes and cerebral playmaking:
- Physicality and Length: At 6-foot-6 and nearly 200 pounds, with an impressive 6-foot-11 wingspan, SGA possesses the stature to shoot over defenders. His wiry strength allows him to create space with subtle bumps and pivots, often described as “deceiving” due to his lean frame.
- Master of Angles: He doesn`t just drive; he dissects. Gilgeous-Alexander`s ability to manipulate defenders, use pump-fakes, and change direction with a tight handle allows him to gain just enough separation to launch his shot. He`s always slightly ahead of the defender, forcing them into reactive positions.
- Unpredictable Spots: Unlike players who favor one or two “sweet spots,” SGA operates across the entire midrange. Whether it`s the elbow, the baseline, or off a step-back, his versatility keeps defenders guessing and prevents them from funneling him into predictable areas.
- Kobe`s Influence: He openly acknowledges the profound influence of Kobe Bryant on his game. This isn`t just admiration; it`s a dedicated study of Bryant`s footwork, balance, and relentless scoring mentality, all of which are evident in SGA`s polished repertoire.
This mastery didn`t appear overnight. It was forged in daily workouts, notably during his rookie season under the tutelage of former NBA player and assistant coach Sam Cassell, a midrange maestro in his own right. Cassell famously encouraged Gilgeous-Alexander to “be exceptional at this shot” if defenses were going to concede it, a mantra that has clearly paid dividends.
A Blueprint for the Future?
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander`s championship run with the Oklahoma City Thunder serves as a compelling case study. In a league increasingly defined by mathematical precision and the pursuit of optimized spacing, SGA`s success offers a counter-narrative: the enduring value of nuanced skill. His game is a reminder that while analytics can illuminate trends, they cannot fully account for exceptional individual talent, strategic adaptability, and the ability to exploit weaknesses in seemingly impenetrable systems.
Will other teams and players follow suit? It’s unlikely to spark a full-scale renaissance of the midrange, given the fundamental advantages of the three-point shot. However, SGA’s reign is a clear signal that the ability to punish defenses from the “inefficient” areas can be a championship-level differentiator. He has demonstrated that versatility in scoring, combined with unwavering execution, can confound even the most sophisticated defensive schemes.
The 2025 NBA Finals were not just a crowning moment for the Oklahoma City Thunder; they were a vindication of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander`s singular vision. In an era where basketball sometimes feels like a purely statistical exercise, SGA`s elegant, precise, and undeniably effective midrange game proves that true artistry still holds immense power. He is not just an MVP; he is the quiet revolutionary, reminding us that some “lost arts” are simply waiting for the right artist to bring them back to life.
