Spurs’ Shai Gilgeous-Alexander plan is backfiring and the numbers prove it
Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images The San Antonio Spurs head into Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals needing more than just better execution. They may need a new defensive approach altogether. Their plan so far has been to aggressively double-team Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, hoping to disrupt Oklahoma City by forcing the ball out of his hands.
But the numbers suggest it is having the opposite effect, with Oklahoma City creating better shots whenever the Spurs send extra pressure. Spurs’ double-team approach on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is not working Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images ESPN reports that San Antonio have thrown 53 double-teams at Gilgeous-Alexander in the series so far, and the Thunder are thriving when the pressure comes. Oklahoma City are averaging 1.
21 points per play when the Canadian guard is doubled, compared to just 0. 93 when he is not. The shooting numbers tell the same story.
The Thunder are hitting 51% from the field against doubles, but only 42% when the MVP faces single coverage. It is even more pronounced from beyond the arc. OKC are shooting 48% from three when Gilgeous-Alexander is doubled, compared to 32% when he is not.
The Thunder’s looks are far cleaner too. Their contest rate drops to 40% when Gilgeous-Alexander is doubled, compared to 60% when he is defended one-on-one. Gilgeous-Alexander is not forcing shots either.