“My whole life is consistent. Everything I do. From what I eat, to when I sleep, to my recovery, to my loved ones. Everything’s consistent. It’s a routine for me at this point”
This inspirational statement from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, shared in a postgame interview, illustrates the mindset that has transformed him into a superstar. His consistency on and off the court is exactly why he is on the verge of winning his first MVP and possibly his first championship.
The 26-year-old Canadian point guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder (64-14), commonly referred to as SGA, is currently averaging 32.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, 6.4 assists and his team is comfortably sitting at the top of an extremely competitive western conference.
In addition to the raw stats, his efficiency numbers are also off the charts as he has a 30.6 player efficiency rating, 51.9% field goal percentage, 63.7% true shooting percentage, 90% free throw percentage and averages 8.9 free throws attempted per game. Gilgeous-Alexander’s ability to get to the free throw line exemplifies his craftiness and the inability of other players to guard him, resulting in them committing fouls as the only means of slowing him down.
Despite all that, one of the biggest things that separates SGA from other superstars in the NBA is his ability to stay consistent almost every game. Having played 74 games so far, he has scored 25+ points in 66 of them and 30+ points in 48 of them. Additionally, he has had four games this season with 50+ points and is leading the NBA in points per game.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s consistency on the court can be attributed to his lifestyle off the court, where he claims that every aspect of his life is consistent, such as his workouts, his recovery and even his relaxation time. Every part of his life is consistent and as a result, putting up big scoring numbers every night is just another part of his routine.
Although SGA is best known for being an NBA superstar, he has also become a fan favorite for his off court persona, with many recognizing him for his unmatched and effortless “aura”. In fact, after interviewing Gilgeous-Alexander, an ESPN reporter stated “Well Shai, I appreciate the time and thank you for letting me share in your aura tonight.”
This insane aura is largely fueled by Gilgeous-Alexander’s social media presence, where he is known for his poetic Instagram captions and for being a fashion influencer. While scrolling through @shai on Instagram, almost every post features an outfit check paired with a poem as the caption, which Gilgeous-Alexander creates himself.
One of his most notable Instagram captions reads “Shai over / Shai under / Shai you owe me bread bc you didn’t cover / ya ya ya / just know who to go to when you need a bucket before the buzzer.” In this poem, SGA makes it clear that he does not care about sports bettors’ parlays or wagers, rather; he’s only focused on getting buckets and delivering for his team.
His influence in the fashion world extends beyond social media, as Gilgeous-Alexander has attended the Met Gala, Paris Men’s Fashion Week and he was voted GQ’s most stylish man of the year. He is also a model for Kim Kardashian’s famous SKIMS brand and he has his own signature shoe line with Converse.
SGA is currently the heavy favorite to win this year’s MVP and the OKC Thunder are one of the frontrunners to win the NBA championship. This is just the beginning for the young superstar, and it is exciting to imagine what lies ahead in his career.
