Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s new role might also be siphoning off his best asset

Zane Gelphman argues that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's increased defensive burden may be negatively impacting his offensive scoring for the Oklahoma City Thunder. With teammates Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace sidelined by long-term injuries, Gilgeous-Alexander has taken on tougher point-of-attack defensive assignments, including guarding Kyrie Irving in a recent loss to the Dallas Mavericks.

According to the writer, the extra workload might explain Gilgeous-Alexander averaging 26.0 points per game through five contests, a notable drop from his previous scoring marks. The writer cautions that without his typical elite scoring output, coach Mark Daigneault's squad could struggle in the Western Conference playoff race.