In the NBA, it’s almost customary for opponents to try to distract emerging stars through trash talk or on-court provocations once they begin to dominate regularly. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, however, has shown himself to be immune to such tactics. The Canadian rarely responds and keeps his focus fixed on one thing: winning and going home.
For Robert Horry, that mindset embodies the true essence of a champion. The seven-time NBA champion praised SGA’s composure and concentration, saying they remind him of Kawhi Leonard, a player who has always let his game speak for him.
Shai and Kawhi: The Same Quiet Killer Instinct
Throughout his career, Leonard has been criticized for injuries and time missed, but when he’s on the floor, he’s a silent executor who dominates on both ends. He never gets caught up in the noise or the provocations and stays calm even in the tensest moments.
Gilgeous-Alexander displays the same temperament. He has averaged over 30 points per game in three straight seasons, led the league in scoring last year, and won the MVP award, all without engaging in unnecessary disputes. Even when some accused him of “hunting for fouls,” Shai chose to focus on leading his young Oklahoma City team to the NBA championship.
Horry described this similarity clearly during an interview, saying that players like Tim Duncan or Kawhi Leonard don’t react to trash talk, they just look at you as if you’re wasting your time. He added that Shai is the same way: he simply plays his game and goes home.
A Different Mentality
While stars like Nikola Jokic or Giannis Antetokounmpo have had moments of frustration or arguments with rivals and referees, Shai maintains total control over his emotions. He may show brief displeasure when a foul isn’t called, but he never loses focus. His composure makes him one of the hardest players in the league to rattle mentally.
That calmness and maturity, combined with his work ethic and leadership, are the qualities that Horry believes will make Gilgeous-Alexander one of the greats of his generation, a player who doesn’t need noise or controversy to leave a lasting mark.
