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Thunder coach Mark Daigneault’s ‘strengthen’ take on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s growth
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- Thunder coach Mark Daigneault’s ‘strengthen’ take on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s growth
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault's 'strengthen' take on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's growth appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
OKLAHOMA CITY — As the Oklahoma City Thunder 's reigning MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander , is considered an early candidate to win the illustrious award in back-to-back seasons, coach Mark Daigneault addressed the growth he's seen. Gilgeous-Alexander is regarded as a clear MVP favorite , especially following Denver Nuggets All-Star Nikola Jokic 's recent knee injury, which will keep the center sidelined for at least one month.
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After the Thunder defeated the Atlanta Hawks 140-129 on Monday, Daigneault discussed the strides he's seen in Gilgeous-Alexander's offensive approach.
"He's strengthened his foundation as a player. The best guys that can score night after night after night, there's like a fixed income that they're getting every single night that's easy, that's reliable, and is always there," Daigneault said. "I think his commitment to that — his strength — has helped with that, with some of the rebounds, and some of the stuff around the basket. Then, I think he just keeps getting better with his skills and [evolving] his game.
"The best offensive guys have a certain base, and then they've got the stuff on top of that, and I think he's starting to form into that. I think we're starting to see that with him."
Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 39 points on 15-of-24 shooting, including 2-for-5 from deep, and 4-for-4 from the free-throw line.
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 1st to 1k in Thunder win
Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault watched All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander became the first to score 1k points this season. In only 32 games, Gilgeous-Alexander surpassed 1,000 points in Monday's win against the Hawks.
Shai is also shooting at the highest 3-point percentage clip of his career (41.9%), while averaging 32.2 points per game at a career-best 55.9% field-goal percentage.
Related: Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander becomes clear MVP favorite amid Nikola Jokic's injury
Related: Why Shai Gilgeous-Alexander knew cousin Nickeil Alexander-Walker would shine with Hawks
