Oklahoma City Thunder fans are no stranger to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's game, and just what makes him so great. But now that the Thunder have become NBA champions and have gained much more of a national media spotlight, much more of his process is becoming commonly known. This week, Shai's highly effective stretching workouts were posted to social media.
As X user @SteveThunderfan explains, Gilegous-Alexander has been doing these specific workouts for quite a while, and they're part of what make him so great, and allow him to play the way that he does. The exercises are focused around growing and maintaining a supreme balance and ability for SGA to control his body. Of course, this plays a big part in Shai being able to time his drives and movements better, as well as draw fouls.
Of course, one of the most impressive parts of Gilgeous-Alexander’s offensive game is how often he plays at his own pace. He utilizes footwork, angles, and a rare sense of timing that throws defenders off balance. That element of control stems directly from the balance work highlighted in the now-viral clip. You are watching a player train his body to stop, pivot, and contort in real time, all while staying grounded and smooth.
This is what all Shai's offseason workout videos look like. His balance is secretly his superpower, and it's not an accident. https://t.co/v3gkZZnUj1
— S. Dolan (@SteveThunderfan) July 14, 2025
SGA's workouts highlight his elite abilities
These workouts show us why SGA is so hard to guard. He's mastered the ability to be going downhill quickly one moment, then at almost a dead stop the next, all while keeping his mental focus. These balance exercises allow him to manipulate space in ways that feel unguardable, and they are the foundation behind his high free throw attempts and high efficiency.
Even in hectic moments, SGA’s body control separates him. The Thunder’s system empowers him to initiate actions from multiple spots on the floor, but it is Shai’s calm under pressure and stability on contact that keep defenses sweating. Opponents cannot speed him up, and they cannot throw him off his rhythm. There is real training behind that poise, and it is not something easily replicated. Only the best of the best typically have this ability.
With Gilgeous-Alexander now in his physical prime and armed with a championship pedigree, the attention on his preparation will only continue to grow. But for those who have followed closely, this latest clip only confirms what Thunder fans have known for a while.