The thing about Shai Gilgeous-Alexander only diehard Thunder fans appreciate

As of this writing, Oklahoma City Thunder cornerstone Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finds himself leading the league in scoring with 32.6 points per night.

Add this to the fact that, of those with a minimum of 50 games played, he ranks within the top-20 in assists per game (6.2), 15 among guards in effective field goal percentage (57.5), and fifth overall in offensive rating (122.1) and it's safe to say that there aren't many active players who are more productive on the offensive end of the floor than the three-time All-Star.

And while these efforts may serve as a driving force in his odds-on favorite MVP pursuits, real ones understand that Gilgeous-Alexander is far more than just an elite bucket-getter.

Thunder fans well aware of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's defensive efforts

On a team already rostering defensive stalwarts like Luguentz Dort, Chet Holmgren, and Isaiah Hartenstein, for casuals, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's efforts on the less glamorous side of the ball may go under the radar.

However, diehard Thunder fans are most likely well aware of just how integral the guard has been to the club's top-ranked defensive play.

Through 60 games of action, Gilgeous-Alexander has absolutely dominated on the defensive side of the ball, as he ranks first among starters in defensive rating (104.6), fourth overall in steals per game (1.8), fifth among guards in blocks per game (1.0), and first in defensive win shares (0.175) out of those who have seen 30 or more games played so far this season.

What's more impressive about this level of production is the fact that it has directly helped influence the main attraction to his game on the year in the scoring department.

Of his league-leading 1,957 total points, 324 have come as a result of points off turnovers, equating to roughly 17 percent of his scoring production.

Though the guard's efforts may not be regularly publicized or highlighted on social platforms and in the mainstream media, like the Thunder's faithful followers, experts and award voters seemingly understand just how impactful he's been on this side of the court, as Gilgeous-Alexander ranks fifth in Defensive Player of the Year odds.

Now, while he's most likely not going to come away with the Hakeem Olajuwon Trophy in 2025, at the very least, it's highly possible that the 26-year-old will be named to an All-Defensive team come year's end.

To the surprise of many, this would mark his first time receiving such an honor since entering the league back in 2018.

For diehard Thunder fans, SGA earning this type of achievement is long overdue.