Over the previous couple of months, the Oklahoma City Thunder have recognized what they’re getting from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
An inflow of scoring, playmaking and scrappy protection, Gilgeous-Alexander has been certain to match or exceed regardless of the opposition’s star participant is doing. One of the larger questions marks, was who would step up behind the fifth-year soon-to-be All-Star.
Second-year guard Josh Giddey was already doubtless Oklahoma City’s second-best participant. But his sport didn’t naturally take any stress off of OKC’s prime scorer.
Over the final month or so, that’s modified.
Since Dec. 1, Giddey has averaged 17.1 factors on 50 p.c capturing general. Most importantly, he’s capturing 42 p.c from past the arc on 3.4 makes an attempt per sport. Per common, he’s stuffing the stat sheet exterior of scoring as properly, grabbing 8.5 boards and allotting 5.8 assists per sport in that span.
And Giddey’s play has handed the attention check, as properly. The 20-year-old hasn’t shied away from contact in his latest stretch, and it’s allowed him to be far more environment friendly from all around the courtroom.
He’s gotten to the rim with ease, transformed his floaters at a better clip and knocked down 3-pointers at a a lot, far more environment friendly fee.
And Giddey’s improved play has had a visual impact on OKC. They’ve gained 9 of their final 14 video games, and have the second-highest internet score amongst the complete NBA in 2023.
Now only a half-game again from the coveted play-in sport, Giddey and Oklahoma City have a legit shot at seeing the NBA Playoffs this season if they will proceed their hot-streak.
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