Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was just out there doing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander things.
While guys like Zion Williamson and Ja Morant were out there throwing down the most aggressive dunks they could, Gilgeous-Alexander stayed on brand, working his way to the hoop and scoring buckets with his signature “Shai scoop” that fans in Oklahoma City have come to love.
Of course, he had to make it a little extra fancy because it is All-Star Weekend.
Gilgeous-Alexander got the starting nod in his second-straight Rising Stars Game, alongside Brandon Clarke, Rui Hachimura, RJ Barrett, and Luka Doncic for Team World.
After making a layup and a 3-pointer, Gilgeous-Alexander showcased the skills that have helped make him the Thunder’s leading scorer and very likely earned him a spot in Saturday’s nights Skills Challenge, where he is replacing Derrick Rose, who withdrew due to a reported injury.
With Team World trailing 24-22, Gilgeous-Alexander brought the ball over midcourt, pulling the ball behind his back to bait Ja Morant before going between his legs to avoid Trae Young. He then took two steps and flipped it up uncontested for the score.
behind the back, through the legs, on the money. pic.twitter.com/DZFWUF42tE
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) February 15, 2020
The play was impressive enough to make the announcers stop their conversation and admire the moves.
Gilgeous-Alexander played 12 minutes in the first half, scoring 13 points on 6-of-8 shooting from the field as Team World took an 81-71 lead into the break.