It has been six long years since Shai Gilgeous-Alexander represented Canada. But the NBA star showed no signs of rust. Gilgeous-Alexander, who has spent the year tearing it up for the Oklahoma City Thunder, looked incredible in Canada’s win over the Dominican Republic. According to statistics, he recorded a game-high 32 points as Canada won 95-75.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Silences Critics!
There had been some questions over Gilgeous-Alexander’s future in the NBA following a string of injuries. Some critics were claiming the young Toronto native was too injury-prone. However, Gilgeous-Alexander, with his 32-point performance, proved the haters wrong. He looked explosive out on the court and had no issues scoring in bunches, blowing past defenders, and even pulling up for 3-pointers.
Even though he hasn’t played an NBA game since March, the Canadian looked noticeably quicker and more fluid on the court. Before his injury, Gilgeous-Alexander was just starting to make a name for himself, scoring over 30 points in his last seven out of nine games. If he can keep up this strong form, Canada will be a tough team to beat. They should have no problems cracking into the top 10 (currently, they are ranked 18th by FIBA).
The Toronto Player Shows Some New Skills!
It wasn’t the fact that Gilgeous-Alexander returned to his previous NBA form that impressed spectators, but he had added new skills! The Oklahoma City Thunder star smashed in five 3-pointers. He looked incredibly comfortable taking long-range jump shots, which is something he struggled with during his last NBA season. At some point, he was shooting below 30% from behind the line, but it seems he has worked hard in the off-season and developed a long-range game.
The Dominican Republic tried to shut down his scoring by constantly double-teaming Gilgeous-Alexander. But that didn’t seem to affect him, as he was finding new ways to score and set up his teammates. He was dribbling out of their traps and cutting great lines!
If Gilgeous-Alexander can keep his 3-point shooting up, the Thunder will be a very difficult assignment for any team. Expect Gilgeous-Alexander and fellow Thunder teammate Josh Giddey to have break-out seasons and help the Thunder make it deep into the playoffs!
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The 23-year-old wasn’t just displaying electric offensive skills, he looked like a completely different player on defense. Gilgeous-Alexander racked up three steals and two blocks. It seemed like he was everywhere on the court and was giving the Dominican Republic absolute fits. He was constantly jamming the passing lanes. Gilgeous-Alexander also finished the night with five assists, showing that he can create opportunities for teammates!
Will Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Become An All-Star in 2022/2023?
Last season Shai Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 24.5 points per game, 1.3 steals per game, 0.8 blocks per game, 5 rebounds per game, and 5.9 assists per game. These numbers are very close to All-Star numbers. If the Canadian can average 27 points a game and bump up his average assists and rebounds to 7 or 8 per game, he should easily make it to his first All-Star game. We are expecting a massive season from the young baller!
The FIBA World Qualifiers and NBA Summer League are just getting going! If you are an Oklahoma City Thunder or Canadian national team fan, you have to be excited about the development of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He appears to be getting every game and soon will reach bonafide superstar status. With him leading the Canadian national team, we expect them to get as high as 7 in the world rankings. And if he keeps improving, expect the Thunder to make a deep run in the playoffs!