Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has averaged 31.4 points per game across the previous three regular seasons combined. He is the reigning scoring champion, MVP and Finals MVP.
But even historically dominant scorers like Oklahoma City’s superstar struggle to produce against certain players. Check out the five best Gilgeous-Alexander defenders in the NBA based solely on matchup stats from databallr.com.
To ensure shooting luck is largely removed from the equation, the sample of defenders contained the 30 players with the most possessions guarding Gilgeous-Alexander over the past three regular seasons and playoffs combined.
Those 30 players were ranked by how well Gilgeous-Alexander did against them in points per 75 possessions, true shooting percentage, and assist-to-turnover ratio. The points column was duplicated in order to increase the weight of scoring. Finally, ranks across the four columns were averaged, thus resulting in a single number for each of the 30 defenders.
Honorable Mentions: Russell Westbrook, Dennis Schroder, Derrick Jones Jr.
5. Andrew Wiggins
Gilgeous-Alexander’s 2023-25 stats in 184 possessions vs. Andrew Wiggins
- 16.7 points per 75 possessions
- 43.5 true shooting percentage
- 3.3 assist to turnover ratio
Golden State won a championship partly due to Wiggins’ stellar defense against Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Wiggins is now on the wrong side of 30 and has noticeably declined as a defender, but he’s been highly effective against Gilgeous-Alexander in recent seasons.
It’s fortunate that the former first overall pick now resides in Miami because Golden State is already a dangerous Thunder opponent without Wiggins further complicating matters.
4. Haywood Highsmith
Gilgeous-Alexander’s 2023-25 stats in 111 possessions vs. Haywood Highsmith
- 18.9 points per 75 possessions
- 45 true shooting percentage
- 1.5 assist to turnover ratio
Highsmith is known for his defense, toughness and motor. He possesses a blend of length, strength and mobility that often occurs in the best Gilgeous-Alexander defenders.
Miami salary-dumped Highsmith to Brooklyn during the offseason in order to duck the luxury tax, so the veteran is not currently on the Thunder’s radar. However, it’s likely that Highsmith will be a popular target at the trade deadline given his defense and expiring $5.6 million contract. Oklahoma City should hope that a West squad does not poach him.
3. Ochai Agbaji
Gilgeous-Alexander’s 2023-25 stats in 122 possessions vs. Ochai Agbaji
- 17.3 points per 75 possessions
- 44.9 true shooting percentage
- 2 assist to turnover ratio
Agbaji is one of the better 3-and-D role players in the NBA, and he’s still just 25 years old. Toronto’s roster can be classified as clunky and ill-conceived, so his presence as a glue guy is important for the Raptors’ playoff hopes.
It’s worth noting that Agbaji’s future with Toronto remains uncertain. They may decide to extend him before the Oct. 20 deadline, or the Raptors could shop his expiring salary at the trade deadline in order to collect draft capital and duck the luxury tax.
2. Jeremy Sochan
Gilgeous-Alexander’s 2023-25 stats in 138 possessions vs. Jeremy Sochan
- 18 points per 75 possessions
- 42.2 true shooting percentage
- 1.8 assist to turnover ratio
San Antonio’s roster is still too young and inexperienced to trade punches with Oklahoma City, but the storm is coming. And when it does, Sochan should play a critical role, given his excellent defense against Gilgeous-Alexander.
The former ninth overall pick is on an expiring $7 million contract, and the Spurs have until Oct. 20 to extend him. Otherwise, Sochan becomes a restricted free agent this upcoming offseason.
1. Herbert Jones
Gilgeous-Alexander’s 2023-25 stats in 329 possessions vs. Herbert Jones
- 12.1 points per 75 possessions
- 42.3 true shooting percentage
- 1.1 assist to turnover ratio
If Thunder fans were polled about who wears the crown for best Gilgeous-Alexander defender in the NBA, it’s highly likely that Jones would receive the most votes.
The stats verify this belief. Of the 30 defenders with the most possessions guarding Gilgeous-Alexander from 2023-25, Jones has held the reigning MVP to the fewest points per 75 possessions, the second-lowest true shooting percentage, and the fourth-lowest assist-to-turnover ratio.
Jones’ success comes despite defending Gilgeous-Alexander for a monstrous 329 possessions, which is two to three times the volume of the other four players who cracked the top five. New Orleans may squeak into the playoffs should they catch a few breaks, such as Zion Williamson staying healthy. If this happens, then Jones is a valuable weapon for the Pelicans in a potential matchup versus the Thunder.