In an NBA increasingly dominated by the long-range bomb and the high-percentage dunk, the midrange jumper has become something of an endangered species, a relic of a bygone era. Analytics whisper of its inefficiency, coaches often discourage it, and players are drilled to hunt for shots at the rim or beyond the arc. Yet, one player has not only defied this modern orthodoxy but has elevated the “lost art” to a championship-winning weapon: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
The Oklahoma City Thunder’s undeniable leader, SGA, recently hoisted the Larry O`Brien trophy, cementing his legacy not just as an MVP, but as a master craftsman whose unique game proved that fundamental skill, even in its most “unfashionable” forms, remains paramount in the pursuit of greatness.
The Shot That Defined a Season
Consider the pivotal moments of the 2025 NBA Finals. Trailing late in Game 4, with their season hanging precariously, the Thunder needed a hero, and a bucket. With the ball in Gilgeous-Alexander’s hands, he surveyed the court. What followed was a sequence that perfectly encapsulated his genius: a series of calculated dribbles, a subtle but decisive bump that displaced his defender, and then, from 15 feet out, a smooth, unblockable pull-up jumper. The net barely rippled. The basket gave Oklahoma City the lead for good, swinging momentum irrevocably in their favor. It was not a three, not a dunk, but a classic midrange jumper – a testament to a skill set few in today`s game possess, let alone perfect.
A Rejection of Modern Orthodoxy
For years, the analytical consensus has been clear: the midrange jumper is a “bad shot.” The math, on paper, favors three points from downtown or two points right at the basket. Yet, SGA’s career trajectory is a living, breathing counter-argument. His former coach, Sam Cassell, a midrange maestro in his own playing days, instilled a simple philosophy: “If they’re giving you the 15-foot pull-up shot, let’s be exceptional at this shot.” This seemingly straightforward advice became the cornerstone of a scoring title and, ultimately, a championship.
The irony, of course, is that while “the numbers” might deem such shots inefficient, the scoreboard tells a different story entirely when executed by a player of SGA’s caliber. He takes what defenses grudgingly offer, then turns it into an unstoppable force, a subtle defiance against the analytical overlords of basketball.
The Mechanics of Mastery
What makes Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s midrange game so devastatingly effective? It’s a meticulous blend of physical attributes, refined skill, and an almost cerebral understanding of angles and defender psychology:
- Deceptive Strength: Listed at 195 pounds, SGA possesses a wiry strength that belies his lean frame. Defenders who feel his shoulder thud into their chests during a drive quickly learn this lesson. These subtle bumps create just enough space for him to elevate and shoot over contests.
- Exceptional Length: Standing at 6-foot-6½ with a wingspan of 6-foot-11½, SGA has the natural length to shoot over almost any defender in the league. This reach makes even well-contested shots feel open to him.
- Master of Angles and Pace: As one teammate aptly put it, SGA is a “master of angles.” He rarely goes 100 miles an hour, instead controlling the pace, inviting defenders to cut him off, only to counter with a pump-fake, a pivot, or a hesitation dribble. This intelligent manipulation of space and time is critical.
- Tight Handle and Versatility: His ability to get to literally *any* spot on the floor with the ball under control is foundational. He can operate from the post, in the pick-and-roll, or in isolation, boasting a diverse shot profile that includes pull-ups, fadeaways, and floaters from multiple “sweet spots.” As he himself notes, “The more spots, the more shots, the more variety you have, the harder it is to guard.”
This comprehensive offensive arsenal, cultivated through countless hours of repetition and intentional study—particularly of legends like Kobe Bryant—makes him nearly unguardable in one-on-one situations. He`s not just taking a shot; he`s orchestrating a mini-play with every possession.
The Statistical Anomaly
SGA’s mastery isn`t just visually impressive; it`s statistically dominant. He led the league in scoring this season, averaging 32.7 points per game on an exceptional 51.9% shooting. This marks his third consecutive season averaging over 30 points on better than 50% from the field, placing him in an exclusive pantheon alongside scoring legends like Wilt Chamberlain, Michael Jordan, Adrian Dantley, and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Delving deeper, his proficiency from midrange is staggering. He ranked second in the league in made and attempted 2-point jumpers, but more crucially, his 52.7% shooting on these shots was second only to Kevin Durant among high-volume shooters. He joins a rare club, including Durant and Chris Paul, as the only players in the last decade to make over 250 two-point jumpers at 50% or better in multiple seasons. This isn`t just good; it`s historically great.
Legacy and the Future of the Game
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander`s championship run is more than just a personal triumph; it`s a compelling narrative in the ongoing evolution of basketball. In an era obsessed with efficiency metrics, SGA’s success stands as a powerful reminder that sometimes, pure, unadulterated skill can override even the most sophisticated statistical models. His game is a testament to the idea that true versatility and a deep understanding of offensive fundamentals, even those deemed “outdated,” can still be the ultimate difference-maker.
He is not merely a champion; he is a beacon for young players, demonstrating that while the game evolves, timeless skills, perfected with dedication and intelligence, will always find their place at the top. The midrange, once thought to be on life support, has found its unexpected, triumphant resurgence in the hands of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, proving that in basketball, as in life, the “lost arts” often find a way to reclaim their glory.
