Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder has been making waves in the NBA, with his explosive playing style and impressive statistics earning him the title of the league’s reigning MVP. But even the best players have their off days, and during the current NBA Finals, Gilgeous-Alexander has not been immune to this fact. According to Evan Sidery, Gilgeous-Alexander’s shooting percentage stands at just 35.3 percent, which is considerably lower than his season average. However, this dip in performance can also be attributed to the impressive defense put up by two players from the Indiana Pacers, who have managed to contain the young superstar.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s performance in the NBA Finals has been a topic of discussion amongst fans and analysts alike, with many wondering what has caused this drop in his usually stellar performance. His shooting percentage has been a major concern, and it is clear that he has not been able to find his rhythm on the court. But as they say, numbers don’t tell the whole story. It is important to dive deeper into the stats and analyze how the Pacers players have been able to stifle Gilgeous-Alexander’s impact on the game.
Firstly, let’s take a look at the defensive prowess of Myles Turner. The 6’11” center has been a force to be reckoned with in the paint, using his length and agility to shut down Gilgeous-Alexander’s drives to the basket. Turner’s defensive rating of 96.3 in the Finals is a testament to his ability to disrupt the opposing team’s offense. In addition to this, Turner’s presence in the paint has made it difficult for Gilgeous-Alexander to get clean looks at the basket, resulting in his lower shooting percentage.
But Turner is not the only Pacers player who has made life difficult for Gilgeous-Alexander. T.J. Warren, who has been a revelation for the Pacers this season, has also played a crucial role in limiting the young star’s impact on the game. Warren, who stands at 6’8″ with a 7’2″ wingspan, has been able to use his size and length to his advantage against Gilgeous-Alexander. With his quick feet and active hands, Warren has been able to disrupt Gilgeous-Alexander’s rhythm and force him into difficult shots. This has contributed to Gilgeous-Alexander’s lower shooting percentage in the Finals.
It is worth noting that Gilgeous-Alexander is still managing to put up impressive numbers despite the tough defense put up by the Pacers. He is averaging 24.5 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists per game in the Finals, which are numbers that most players would be proud of. However, for someone who is used to dominating on the court, these stats may seem underwhelming. This is where the Pacers’ defensive efforts come into play, as their ability to limit Gilgeous-Alexander’s impact on the game has prevented him from taking over as he usually does.
But it’s not just about the numbers. The Pacers’ defense has also had a psychological impact on Gilgeous-Alexander. As a young player, he has yet to face such intense and relentless defense in a high-pressure situation like the NBA Finals. This has caused him to become more tentative and hesitant in his play, which has affected his overall performance. The Pacers have been successful in taking Gilgeous-Alexander out of his comfort zone, and this has played a big role in limiting his impact on the game.
In conclusion, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander may not be having the best Finals performance to date, credit must be given to the two Pacers players, Myles Turner and T.J. Warren, for their impressive defensive efforts. Their ability to disrupt Gilgeous-Alexander’s game has resulted in a lower shooting percentage and has prevented him from taking over games as he normally does. However, it is important to note that Gilgeous-Alexander is still a young player with a bright future ahead of him, and he has shown that he is capable of bouncing back from a tough game. As the NBA Finals continue, it will be interesting to see how he responds to the challenges posed by the Pacers’ defense, and if he can lead his team to victory.
