Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has started out this year's Western Conference Finals extremely hot and cold. With a lackluster 24 points on 7-for-23 shooting in their series opener and a lethal 30-piece in Game 2 both under his belt, considering how the Spurs are choosing to guard him, the OKC Thunder megastar could realistically prove to be somewhat of a hit-or-miss moving forward.
However, even though San Antonio's defense has proven capable of throwing the two-time MVP out of synch, in doing so, they've seemingly made it much easier for his running mates to step up and make them pay.
Spurs defense on Shai has allowed Thunder teammates to flourish
Seeing double-teams is nothing new for Gilgeous-Alexander. Considering he's the most lethal scoring weapon the game currently has to offer, it makes sense that teams tend to throw multiple defenders at him in an effort to slow him down.
Needless to say, the Spurs are actively trying to suffocate Shai when he's in possession of the ball, essentially sending two guys his way every time he crosses the halfcourt line.
In doing so, San Antonio has actually been putting themselves at a serious disadvantage, as recent findings show that the Thunder are averaging more points per play and creating more open looks when SGA is being trapped.
Per ESPN Insights, when the Spurs don't swarm the reigning Finals MVP, OKC is posting just under a point per play and shooting a mere 42.0 percent from the floor and 32.0 percent from deep.
In Shai double-team scenarios, these numbers bump up significantly to 1.21 points per play and shooting clips of 51.0 percent from the floor and 48.0 percent from deep.
All season long, the Thunder have regularly been praised for rostering one of the deepest talent pools the league has seen in ages.
Some have even made the case that there are several players on their bench alone that would have a legitimate shot at starting on other perceived title threats across the league.
Now, in the depths of a high-stakes playoff run, guys like Ajay Mitchell, Jared McCain, and, most recently, Alex Caruso are once again proving this hype to be more than deserving.
So while the Spurs defense may be busy and somewhat successful in their efforts to shut down Gilgeous-Alexander, this insane Thunder supporting cast is not only stepping up when needed, but is absolutely thriving with this attention being directed toward the head of the snake.
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