Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has exposed flaws of NBA analytics

The NBA's analytics brigade had people convinced that the "long two" was the most ineffective shot in basketball. 

These people, most of whom have never played basketball at any level, urged players to avoid the midrange shot like the plague, encouraging them to either shoot threes or drive to the rim for layups. 

Then, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came along and busted their theories. 

The Thunder star has attempted 107 mid-range shots over 18 playoff games so far, and there's no defensive scheme that can stop him. In comparison, Jayson Tatum (67) and Nikola Jokic (37) — the two best players in the last two Finals — combined for fewer in their entire playoff runs.

That's not to suggest that Tatum and Jokic weren't exceptional in playing to their strengths, but SGA's midrange game carries an aura of invincibility. When the Toronto native gets to his spot and fires from 10-16 feet, he's nearly automatic.

It's a credit to SGA that he disregarded the advice of analytical pundits and forged his own path, following in the footsteps of midrange maestros like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. Three-time Sixth Man of the Year Lou Williams believes SGA is a reincarnation of the latter.

"We're looking at a Kobe Bryant being created," Williams said on "Run It Back," pointing to SGA's ability to destroy defenses from midrange spots.

Gilgeous-Alexander isn't shying away from the comparisons. Ahead of his 34-point outing in Game 2 of the NBA Finals — his 13th 30-point game of the playoffs — he said he modeled his game after Bryant.