Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Sees Scoring Improvement as Key to Better Playmaking

The Oklahoma City Thunder star believes his growth as a scorer has made him an even more effective facilitator.

Feb. 2, 2026 at 9:15pm

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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has emerged as one of the NBA's top players, leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to the league's best record. While known primarily as an elite scorer, Gilgeous-Alexander credits his improvement in that area as a key factor in his development as a playmaker, noting that as he has become a more dangerous individual scorer, defenses have forced him to make more plays for his teammates.

Why it matters

Gilgeous-Alexander's dual threat as both a scorer and facilitator makes him one of the most well-rounded young stars in the NBA. His ability to impact the game in multiple ways has been a driving force behind the Thunder's success this season, and his continued growth as a playmaker could make him an even more dominant two-way force moving forward.

The details

Since joining the Thunder after his rookie season with the Los Angeles Clippers, Gilgeous-Alexander has steadily improved as a decision-maker and floor general. Playing alongside veteran Chris Paul early in his career helped him develop his playmaking skills, and now in his role as the team's primary point guard, he has taken his passing and facilitating to new heights.

  • Gilgeous-Alexander entered the NBA with the Clippers in 2018.
  • He joined the Thunder in 2019 and has been their starting point guard since then.

The players

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The 24-year-old point guard is in his fifth NBA season and has emerged as one of the league's premier two-way talents, leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to the best record in the NBA.

Chris Paul

The veteran point guard played alongside Gilgeous-Alexander during the latter's rookie season with the Los Angeles Clippers, helping to mentor him and develop his playmaking skills.

Oklahoma City Thunder

The NBA franchise that Gilgeous-Alexander has played for since the 2019-20 season, where he has blossomed into a superstar and led the team to the top of the league standings.

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What they’re saying

“As I go through my career and go through seasons, and games, and see different coverages, and different types of bodies, I just try to grow. The better you get at individually scoring, the more they make you pass. It's just how it goes.”

— Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder Point Guard

What’s next

Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder will look to continue their strong start to the season and solidify their position atop the NBA standings. His continued development as both a scorer and playmaker will be key to the team's success.

The takeaway

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's ability to impact the game in multiple ways, both as a scorer and facilitator, has been a driving force behind the Oklahoma City Thunder's rise to the top of the NBA this season. His self-awareness and commitment to continuous improvement have allowed him to become one of the league's most well-rounded young stars.