As a player who averaged over 30 points per game in the past two seasons, his highest score was only 45 points. What does this mean? In NBA history, apart from Alexander, there were another 22 players who achieved an average of at least 30 points per game for at least two seasons. The highest scores of these 22 players all exceeded 50.
Of course, Alexander's strength lies in his stability. So far, Alexander has played all 32 games for the Thunder, averaging 31.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, 6 assists, 2.0 steals, and 1.2 blocks, with shooting percentages of 52.8%/35.4%/87.8%, and a true shooting percentage of 63.9%.
Especially in the 23 games after Chet's injury, Alexander scored more than 25 points in 22 games (the only exception was the mid-season final against the Bucks, where he scored only 21 points).
At that time, the overall discussion about him was that he was one of the top scorers in the league today, but his limitations were evident in the game against the Bucks. His three-point production was low, unable to effectively punish the retreat of big centers, nor could he pass threateningly when double-teamed. He was obsessed with playing alone, not decisive in passing, and his choices of dribbling, shooting, and passing were easily affected by his shooting fluctuations and mentality. Lacking a keenness and boldness, and this gap would be infinitely magnified in high-level games.
After the mid-season game, Alexander strengthened his three-point shooting, and at the same time, his attacking the basket and mid-range shooting became more explosive, scoring 40+ in three games. Considering that he had only 14 career games with 40+ points before, it is clear that Alexander has stepped up his efforts.
After winning the Timberwolves away, the Thunder have won 12 consecutive regular-season games, with a proud record of 27 wins and 5 losses, firmly ranking first in the West.
Alexander went 15 for 23 from the field, 3 for 5 from three-point range, and 7 for 9 from the free-throw line, scoring 40 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals.
In the third quarter, which widened the score, Alexander exploded for 19 points on 7 of 8 shooting, single-handedly dismantling the Timberwolves. Among them, the play where he ate Reed and inspected the Timberwolves' defense to complete a 2+1 was particularly brutal.
Dribbling, being brave in confrontation, and finishing strongly, although it may seem less smooth at first glance compared to Irving and Curry, somewhat dry, Alexander has strong core strength and can protect the ball and make moves near the basket. Paired with a constant interpretation of the defender, there is a strong feeling of "I am pulling the strings, you are a puppet."
Three-point shots are also shot more decisively, which not only allows Alexander to increase his scoring explosiveness and have more offensive weapons, thus making opponents more difficult to guard.
According to the latest regular-season MVP odds list, Alexander is already in the leading position,
For Alexander's stable performance, Edwards also praised: "He is the MVP of the NBA this season. To me, he is undefendable. In any one-on-one matchup, yes, you should give up."
The team's record is the leading first in the West with a break (still missing the inside pillar Chet), and the data is quite gorgeous. Unless the Nuggets make a comeback to the top three in the second half of the season, otherwise, this season's MVP should really go to him.