Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander recalls first NBA game after scoring 10,000 points

U Oklahoma City Thunderbeat the Washington Wizards 136-95, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander reached a career milestone in winning his 10,000. points. Gilgeous-Alexander addressed opponents questioning his free throws volume attempt. Then, in light of Shai scoring his 10,000th career point, the report asked if he remembered his first NBA game.

Gilgeous-Alexander did not hesitate in his the answer.

“Transitional layup,” Gilgeus-Alexander said. “I was in the left lane. I drove to the right, went over and took a slow step against the Nuggets. I will never forget that.”

After being selected 11th overall by the Charlotte Hornets, Gilgeous-Alexander was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers for Myles Bridges, who was selected 12th overall in the 2018 draft. After making his regular season debut, SGA scored one the season. – twice as high as 24 points. He was then traded to the Thunder in a franchise-altering move that sent Paul George to Los Angeles for five first-round draft picks.

One of those draft picks was Jaylen Williams, the Thunder’s second point guard, in 2022. In his third NBA season, Williams is positioned to make his first All-Star selection.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sounds off on his free throw shooting strength

Thunder All Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander addressed critics who criticized how often he gets to the free throw line. The NBA’s second-leading scorer (31.4) behind Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo had an explanation.

After Sunday’s win, Gilgeous-Alexander discussed why he’s one of the best free throw attempts per game.

“The past few years, I’ve led the NBA in driving,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “So naturally I think I’m going to get fouled on the drive. You usually get fouled more on drives than on rebounds. I think it’s just a natural part of the game. And then I learned a few tricks of the trade along the way. I turned it into a bit of a skill.

“As far as what people say, I don’t really care. As long as the offense is efficient and my team is winning, I’ll do it.”

Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 8.1 free throw attempts per game. He is tied for the second-highest average with the Lakers’ Anthony Davis, trailing Antetokounmpo (10.6) for the top spot. SGA continues to make a strong campaign for this year’s MVP award. After finishing as runner-up in 2023-24, Gilgeous-Alexander is the favorite to win this season.

The Thunder All-Star is also shooting 52.7 percent from the field and 35.8 percent from beyond the arc, averaging 5.9 assists and 5.5 rebounds per game, along with 2.0 steals and 1.2 blocks per game.