Superlatives are beginning to run out to describe the performance of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in this world Cup.
Except during the card against Lebanon (+55!) where he only played 17 minutes (for all the same 12 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists…), the boss of the Canada never went below 20 points. During the last two games (Spain then Slovenia, please!), he allowed himself to reach the bar of 30 units, with ever more disconcerting ease…
He thinks only of gold, and nothing else
Like the greatest, “SGA” therefore sublimates when his team needs him the most. In this case, in cleaver meetings where each defeat is now synonymous with elimination. So far, we can also say that his selection is doing well, since it has qualified for the semi-finals of a World Cup for the first time in its history!
” It feels good, but we are not satisfied », warned nevertheless the rear of the Thunder in the mixed zone. ” We didn’t come here just to get to the semi-finals, but to try to win gold. »
Considered – rightly – by Luka Doncic as “ one of the best players in the world Shai Gilgeous-Alexander easily won his duel at the top with the Slovenian superstar who, unlike him, had a hard time controlling his emotions.
” We don’t mind playing that way. When you get there, basketball is bound to be passionate and played with a lot of energy. “Explained the All-Star of OKC after the fact.
An impressive volume of play
But it is obviously not just Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s opponents who are rave about him, since his coach says he is even more amazed by the volume of play of his playing master, whose magic rubs off on the entire Canadian group.
” Everybody notice their points [31]which is good, he is very good even, but he finished as the best rebounder in the team and in the game », underlined Thus Jordi Fernandez. ” He grabbed 10 rebounds and delivered 4 assists for only 1 loss of ball, while shooting at 8/12. He dominated the game in creating, scoring, finishing or rebounding. I think that’s even more impressive. But it’s not just him. It’s his job, to defend, create and score, but everyone has a mission in this team and our guys, like Dillon, RJ or Kelly, all performed their role to a high standard. This team is relentless, ruthless. We demonstrated it in Jakarta and we demonstrate it here too. »
With 25.0 points, 7.2 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.7 interceptions on average in this World Cup, 55% in shooting (including 32% at 3-pointers) and 89% in throws, today we can say without taking too much risks that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander goes straight for the title of MVP of the tournament.
But as he indicated, his selection and he are not satisfied collectively and, not content with having validated his ticket for Paris 2024, Canada would see itself bringing home medals from the most beautiful of metals…
| Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | Percentage | Bounces | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | GM | Minimum | Shots | 3 points | LF | Off | Def | Early | pd | party | Int | bp | CT | Points |
| 2018-19 | LAKE | 82 | 27 | 47.6 | 36.7 | 80.0 | 0.7 | 2.1 | 2.8 | 3.3 | 2.1 | 1.2 | 1.7 | 0.6 | 10.8 |
| 2019-20 | OKAY | 70 | 35 | 47.1 | 34.7 | 80.7 | 0.7 | 5.2 | 5.9 | 3.3 | 1.7 | 1.1 | 1.9 | 0.7 | 19.0 |
| 2020-21 | OKAY | 35 | 34 | 50.8 | 41.8 | 80.8 | 0.5 | 4.2 | 4.7 | 5.9 | 2.0 | 0.8 | 3.0 | 0.7 | 23.7 |
| 2021-22 | OKAY | 56 | 35 | 45.3 | 30.0 | 81.0 | 0.7 | 4.3 | 5.0 | 5.9 | 2.5 | 1.3 | 2.8 | 0.8 | 24.5 |
| 2022-23 | OKAY | 68 | 36 | 51.0 | 34.5 | 90.5 | 0.9 | 4.0 | 4.8 | 5.5 | 2.8 | 1.7 | 2.8 | 1.0 | 31.4 |
| Total | 311 | 33 | 48.4 | 34.7 | 84.5 | 0.7 | 3.9 | 4.6 | 4.5 | 2.2 | 1.2 | 2.3 | 0.7 | 21.1 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Shots made / Shots attempted; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def= defensive rebound; Tot = Total bounces; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost bullets; Ct: Counters; Points = Points.
