Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s wild stat that Durant, Westbrook and Harden don’t have with OKC
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) has quickly established himself as one of the premier young talents in the NBA, particularly during his tenure with the Oklahoma City Thunder. One of the most striking and unique stats that sets SGA apart from legends like Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden during their time with the Thunder is his exceptional ability to generate points efficiently without relying heavily on high-volume three-point shooting or excessive free throw attempts, especially early in his career.
While Durant, Westbrook, and Harden each had moments of brilliance with OKC—setting franchise records and earning MVP or All-Star nods—they typically showcased certain offensive stats that became their signatures. For example, Westbrook was known for triple-doubles and relentless attacking, Harden for his step-back three and drawing fouls, and Durant for his smooth scoring and shooting efficiency. However, none of these players initially relied on the same particular combination of scoring methods that SGA brings to the table, especially in his early years.
One of SGA’s standout “wild” stats is his high effective field goal percentage (eFG%) combined with a relatively low volume of three-point attempts early in his career. Unlike Harden, who became notorious for volume three-point shooting and drawing fouls, SGA’s scoring often comes from mid-range pull-ups, crafty floaters, and efficient drives to the basket. This allows him to maintain a high scoring average without the need for an overwhelming number of threes or free throws—something Durant, Westbrook, and Harden often leaned on heavily.
Additionally, SGA’s ability to score efficiently without relying on the volume of free throws that Westbrook or Harden often drew is notable. Westbrook and Harden frequently attacked the rim or drew fouls to rack up points at the line, but SGA’s game is more perimeter-oriented and finesse-driven, leading to a higher true shooting percentage (TS%) with fewer free throw attempts per game.
Furthermore, SGA’s combination of scoring efficiency and playmaking is impressive. He averages a significant number of assists, creating opportunities for teammates, which was less prominent in the early careers of the other stars with OKC. This balanced approach—scoring efficiently while also facilitating—sets him apart from Durant, Westbrook, and Harden, who often relied more heavily on volume scoring or drawing fouls.
In essence, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s “wild” stat that the other three stars don’t have with OKC is his ability to produce high-impact, efficient offense without the heavy reliance on volume three-point shooting or free throws that defined Westbrook, Harden, and Durant’s early Thunder careers. This unique skill set hints at his potential to evolve into a well-rounded star capable of leading a franchise in multiple facets of the game.
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