Throughout the offseason, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander made it an emphasis on improving his 3-point shot. This has resulted in the Oklahoma City Thunder star really letting it fly from beyond the arc thus far this season.
During the first two weeks of the regular season, the Thunder star has increased his 3-point volume.
The trend has continued throughout the first two weeks of the regular season without converting at a good rate thus far.
Last season, the Thunder led the league in 3-point percentage (38.9%) — resulting in winning 57 games and securing the No. 1 seed.
Heading into the 2024-25 season, Thunder head coach — Mark Daigneault emphasized the importance during the 2024-25 season to: shoot more 3’s. Although the Thunder led the league in 3-point percentage, the Thunder were 16th in 3-point attempts (34.2) per game a year ago.
Diving into Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Increased 3-Point Volume
Shai’s 3-Point Volume
While the team hasn’t made any significant changes to its shot selection as a whole, SGA has made it a point of emphasis to shoot more threes. In his first six games, SGA is 12-of-43 from beyond the arc.
Last season, SGA attempted 3.6 3PA per game.
SGA’s increase in 3-point volume is a way to prepare for the playoffs. If SGA can become a consistent threat from beyond the arc — it’ll open up his game more and it’ll open more lanes for his teammates. When the offense slows down or the offense gets stagnant, being a consistent threat from deep will be a valuable weapon for the Thunder.
Improving Shot Quality from Beyond the Arc
Throughout the first two weeks of the season, many of SGA’s shots from deep have not been good quality of shots and it has seemed forced and not within the flow of his game or the Thunder’s offense.
For instance — SGA had one of his worst performances from a scoring standpoint in quite some time, recording 18 points on 7-of-20 shooting from the field and 2-of-10 from beyond the arc against the San Antonio Spurs. The main issue was the quality of shots that he was taking from deep, which were not good at all. It didn’t keep the Thunder from grabbing a win, but against a different opponent, it might’ve.
Have Patience and Trust the Process
With his increase in 3-point volume to prepare for the playoffs, SGA should be taking the types of shots that will be effective in the playoffs. Rather than taking contested pull-ups and step-back shots from beyond the arc.
It will be important for him to keep shooting and continue getting those live-game reps despite shooting 27.9% from deep.
However, SGA will need to improve his shot selection as this is currently the main issue in his struggles from beyond the arc — which his efficiency has dropped significantly through the first two weeks of the season. Finding the balance in increasing his volume while taking better quality of shots from deep will be a process. Still, it’s nothing to be overly concerned about.
It feels critical to mix in more triples for SGA who is one the best mid-range scorers and is arguably the best driver in the league. Being able to hit stop-and-pop 3s keeps the defense reeling and allows the Thunder superstar to continue to evolve and improve.
However, SGA’s 3-point shot should be an extension of his driving ability and mid-range game, not something to replace it.
