Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to dazzle with record-setting performances
Oklahoma City’s rising star, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, is once again turning heads across the NBA. The reigning MVP is not just maintaining his high standards; he’s elevating his game to unprecedented levels. This season, Gilgeous-Alexander has demonstrated an impressive ability to evolve, making every game a spectacle worth watching.
A Two-Way Force with Unmatched Efficiency
As a two-way player, Gilgeous-Alexander has become a nightmare for opponents. Historically not known for his long-range shooting, he has transformed into a formidable threat from beyond the arc. This season, he is shooting an eye-popping 41.1% from three-point territory, marking a career high. His overall shooting efficiency has also skyrocketed, with his field goal percentage at a remarkable 54.5%.
Even in the paint and mid-range, his shooting percentages remain consistent with previous seasons. With a free-throw shooting percentage of 88.7%, he is tantalizingly close to joining the elusive 50-40-90 club, a benchmark that showcases a player’s scoring prowess across multiple facets of the game.
Unyielding Scoring in Unprecedented Streaks
Despite his newfound efficiency, Gilgeous-Alexander’s scoring output has not diminished. He continues to take challenging shots, maintaining a high volume of scoring while increasing his success rates. Currently, he is averaging an impressive 32.5 points per game, and his streak of 20-point games has reached an astonishing 93 consecutive outings.
However, the conversation is shifting toward his potential to etch his name alongside some of the greatest in NBA history with his 30-point game streak. So far this season, he has scored 30 or more points in 17 out of 21 games, an impressive 81%. Notably, Gilgeous-Alexander has not even participated in nearly half of the fourth quarters, suggesting that his scoring numbers could be even higher if he played extended minutes.
Chasing Greatness with Historical Context
If he continues on this trajectory, Gilgeous-Alexander is on the verge of entering an elite club. The only players in NBA history to achieve 30-point games in 80% or more of their team’s outings during a season are legends Wilt Chamberlain (four times) and Michael Jordan during the 1986-87 season.
As the season progresses, fans and analysts alike will be eagerly watching to see if Gilgeous-Alexander can join these icons of the game. It’s a thrilling time for the Thunder and their superstar, as he not only chases personal accolades but also seeks to carve out his legacy in the annals of basketball history.
