Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Is Mastering the Art of Control - And the Thunder Are Dominating Because of It
The Oklahoma City Thunder are off to a scorching start this season - 24 wins in their first 25 games - and while the team’s depth, defense, and cohesion have all played major roles, it’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander who continues to be the engine driving this machine. He’s not just playing at an MVP level - he’s shaping games in a way that few players in the league can. And yes, that includes how he draws fouls.
Let’s get this out of the way: Gilgeous-Alexander is elite at getting to the line. He’s been among the league leaders in free throw attempts for several seasons now, and that’s drawn plenty of criticism from fans who see it as gaming the system. But to those who’ve played the game at the highest level, like NBA legend and current broadcaster Dwyane Wade, that criticism misses the point.
“I actually think it's a great thing that he's learned this skill,” Wade said. “Only a few - like James Harden in Houston - had it.
He found a way to manipulate the game and use the rules to his advantage. That’s not a bad thing if he’s playing within the rules.”
Coming from Wade, who made a Hall of Fame career out of attacking the paint and forcing defenders into uncomfortable positions, that’s high praise. And it’s not just about getting to the line - it’s about how Gilgeous-Alexander controls the tempo, keeps defenders off balance, and dictates the terms of engagement.
“He can do anything on the floor that keeps his defender off-balance,” Wade continued. “He’s able to get angles, put guys in uncomfortable spots.
That’s a skill. That’s craft.
And it’s something you respect.”
And the numbers back that up. Last season, Gilgeous-Alexander led the NBA in scoring at 32.7 points per game while adding 5.0 rebounds, 6.4 assists, and 1.7 steals.
He was efficient too - 51.9% from the field, 37.5% from deep, and just a hair shy of the 90% mark at the free throw line. That’s not just volume scoring - that’s surgical precision.
This year, he’s somehow found another gear. Through the first quarter of the season, he’s averaging 32.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 6.4 assists, and 1.4 steals - all in fewer minutes.
And he’s doing it more efficiently than ever: 56% from the field, 43.7% from three, and 88.4% from the stripe. Those are video game numbers.
But what really stands out is how he’s improved after already reaching the mountaintop. Remember, this is a player who just won a championship and racked up individual accolades last season.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Steve Nash link up after the Thunder-Spurs NBA Cup semifinal.
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) December 14, 2025
The Canadian connection 🇨🇦
(via @TomerAzarly) pic.twitter.com/Ore5bqCQUz
He could’ve coasted. Instead, he came back sharper, more refined, and even more locked in.
“It’s just really, really impressive,” Wade said. “To come back after winning a championship, winning all the awards, and be better at the things he maybe wasn’t as good at last year - that shows you his commitment to the craft. You have to give him so much respect.”
Wade also pointed out the off-court challenges that come with stardom - the responsibilities, the distractions - and praised Gilgeous-Alexander for staying focused amid it all. “He’s special,” Wade said. “And I think this year, we’re getting a chance to really see just how special.”
And the Thunder? They’re rolling.
With Gilgeous-Alexander leading the way, Oklahoma City looks like the team to beat. If they keep this up, they could become the first back-to-back NBA champions since the Warriors pulled it off in 2017 and 2018.
That’s rare air - and they’re breathing it like it’s nothing.
So yes, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander draws fouls. But he also draws defenders into traps, draws teammates into rhythm, and draws wins out of tight games.
He’s not just manipulating the rules - he’s mastering the game. And right now, the Thunder are reaping every bit of the reward.