SGA is like a live action RPG, picking up side quests and powers in every chapter

SGA ²⁴⁄₄₇ in 22 games

Doncic ³³⁄₈₄ in 16 games

Harden ²⁹⁄₈₄ in 21 games

Not saying it’s not impressive because it is, but he’s taken half as many as these other guys

SGA ²⁴⁄₄₇ in 22 games

Doncic ³³⁄₈₄ in 16 games

Harden ²⁹⁄₈₄ in 21 games

He just takes way less also he gets defended differently at the 3 point line, he’s not a 3 point shooter like that the others take like double the threes

Yes there is the rhythm of it, but also shot selection.

Luka and Harden are using it as their foundation, where SGA uses it as a counter. Its just flat out better shot selection. 

You are taking the guy who has only made 2 less 3Ps, on significantly less volume everyday of the week because he isn’t wasting possessions nearly as much (Harden).

Especially when those possessions end up in a 55%+ mid-range or 70%+ rim finish.

It also helps that defenders usually play SGA looser at the 3 point line. I suspect that will change. And it will then get even harder to keep him from getting to those mid range shots he’s so good at.

His stepbacks seem to cover less ground on purpose to ensure he’s always balanced and squared up on the shot form. To me it looks like like it doesn’t create that much physical separation compared to the Luka/Harden’s moves, but because he uses it so sparingly defenders are normally sagged off a bit to guard the drive, so that small amount of space is enough for him to get a high quality shot off consistently.

And during OKC’s blowout games he just starts chucking 3s until Mark sits him in the 4th lol

Its crazy that people act like the three ball is a strength for Luka vs Shai when Shai has historically shot similarly if not better

I remember in the tanking seasons, he kept chucking step back 3s up, no matter if they went in or not

Crazy to see it come together

And also hes always had elite ft throw pct on high volume

Again doesn’t answer for the fact he already has the advantage of a whole arms length of separation because nobody is allowed to defend him normally. If Steph had that whistle he would be legitimately be shooting 70 percent from 3.

Harden is shooting 36% on way higher volume though, that’s really good.

For me, Jamal shoots for 3 points the best. I think he has a percentage of 95 in the race from the left side. He almost always hits from that position. This is how his average of 45.3 is the highest in his career and he is left out of every discussion. And he plays at the highest level.

He just developed it as a part of his game this year. Yeah they aren’t right in his face like Luka or Harden, but they are still well contested.

Yeah, he’s not defended as hard on these. At least not yet. Defenders tend to play a step or two off him on the perimeter to try to limit his driving, it’s why he’s focused so much on developing the stepback. I don’t think he’s had enough volume yet to change how teams defend him, but it’ll be interesting to see at what point that starts to shift.

Yes, opposing teams in the nba wants Shai to take the shots😂… Reversed stat padding😉

Oh please close out harder on SGA, that adjustment is gonna be a godsend

Do you know what step-back means?

You’re guessing because you don’t watch games

I mean, he’s actively picking and choosing this shot even through contests, it’s definitely sustainable. It looks comfortable as fuck.

The step back pairs well with attacking the rim and if you cant grasp that, you probably dont play much basketball. It either 1. makes defenders pay for anticipating the drive and playing off or 2. If defenders move up to contest, it’s easy to use their momentum against them and get right downhill and attack them.

For example, Luka’s best dribble move is when he makes a right to left crossover as if he’s going to shoot a stepback and then goes right downhill between the legs. You can find countless clips of him against Zubac or there was that great play against Bam earlier this season too.

Currently, teams have been willing to give SGA 3 point shots because he hasn’t been that type of shotmaker from distance in the past. Him hitting this shots will make it even harder for defenses to keep him out the paint, and harder to contest his interior game without fouling.

Or hear me out they want to show that he has gotten better this year compared to last year