Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Scoring Mastery: A Historic Achievement That Even Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain Couldn’t Match
In the world of NBA greatness, certain milestones are revered. Scoring 50 points in a game is one such feat. Many of the league’s legends, including Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain, have etched their names into history for their ability to reach this mark, but what Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has accomplished this season is something even these two icons couldn’t do.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been nothing short of extraordinary in the 2024-2025 NBA season. The Oklahoma City Thunder star is averaging an impressive 32.6 points, 6.2 assists, and 5.2 rebounds, leading his team to the best record in the Western Conference. As a result, he’s emerged as one of the front-runners for this season’s MVP award, with many expecting him to claim his first.
A Scoring Phenomenon
Shai’s success on the court is not just about his consistent production, but also about his ability to score in ways that others can’t quite replicate. While many criticize his frequent trips to the free-throw line, an integral part of his scoring strategy, former teammate Lou Williams has come to his defense. Williams argues that getting to the free-throw line is a valuable skill, one that allows players to score efficiently while maintaining control of the game. Regardless of how Shai racks up his points, his ability to score in a variety of ways is undeniable.
But this season, Gilgeous-Alexander has done something historic that’s worthy of the spotlight. On March 3rd, 2025, he scored 51 points in a game against the Houston Rockets, marking his fourth 50-point game of the season. This is a tremendous achievement on its own. Scoring 50 points in a game is a major milestone in any player’s career, but doing it multiple times elevates one into the ranks of NBA elite.
What makes this particular achievement even more impressive is the speed at which Shai reached this mark. He set a unique record for the least number of games between his first and fourth 50-point games, accomplishing this feat in just 19 games. To put this into perspective, Dominique
A Historic Season
Shai’s journey to this milestone began on January 23rd, 2025, when he scored 50 points against the Utah Jazz. Just a week later, on January 30th, he matched the feat against the Golden State Warriors. On February 6th, he dropped another 50-plus points against the Phoenix Suns, before his recent 51-point eruption against the Rockets. What this shows is that Shai has not only reached this elite scoring level but has done so with incredible consistency.
This type of scoring prowess, especially the speed with which it’s achieved, is a testament to the leaps Shai has made in his game. His performance over these past few months suggests that he is playing at a level far beyond his previous seasons, even surpassing his MVP runner-up performance from last year. It seems that Shai is no longer content with finishing second—he’s aiming for the top.
The MVP Conversation
As the Oklahoma City Thunder sit atop the Western Conference, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is firmly in the MVP conversation. His ability to lead the Thunder to such heights has solidified his status as a front-runner for the award. While reigning MVP Nikola Jokić remains an elite player, his performance this season hasn’t quite matched the heights of his historic MVP-winning campaigns, which gives Shai a clearer path to claiming his first MVP.
However, the MVP race remains fluid. LeBron James, for instance, is another candidate who has garnered attention for his continued excellence in the twilight of his career. Despite LeBron’s case, it’s hard to ignore the statistical dominance and leadership that Shai brings to the Thunder, especially with his ability to perform in high-pressure moments.
Ultimately, the MVP debate this season may come down to the final weeks of the regular season, with Shai’s success likely hinging on the Thunder’s ability to maintain their top position in the West. One thing is clear, though—Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s extraordinary scoring exploits have positioned him as one of the NBA’s brightest stars and a legitimate contender for the season’s highest individual honor.
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