Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Ready to Sacrifice Michael Jordan and Allen Iverson-esque Record for Larry O’Brien Trophy 

Thunder star Shai-Gilgeous Alexander has continued his golden run of points in the NBA Finals as well.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Ready to Sacrifice Michael Jordan and Allen Iverson-esque Record for Larry O’Brien Trophy 

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Michael Jordan (Image by FirstSportz)

Leading the Thunder in Game 1 with 38 points, five rebounds, three assists, and three steals was Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He also became one of the few players in NBA Finals history to score 35 points or more and record three or more steals in their Finals debut, joining Michael Jordan and Allen Iverson with this stat line.

SGA carried the same form into Game 2 of the NBA Finals. The Thunder defeated the Pacers 123-107 after rallying from the first tip-off, taking an early lead, and holding onto it until the very end. Gilgeous-Alexander had 34 points, 8 assists, and 5 rebounds at the end of the game. After the game, SGA made an interesting case about the history he made earlier on Thursday.

I would trade the points for 2 Ws for sure.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander told the reporters regarding the Michael Jordan-Allen Iverson playoffs record,

Gilgeous-Alexander has scored 72 points in his first two NBA Finals games, more than any other player in their first NBA Finals appearance. Although SGA accomplished a remarkable feat—one that he has accomplished many times this season—it was overshadowed by Oklahoma City’s loss of the lead in the fourth quarter, which caused them to lose Game 1.

The Thunder’s star man tried his hardest to help his team win, but his historic feat went in vain as they lost. However, SGA made sure to make amends in Game 2, and he did by winning against the Pacers comfortably on Sunday.

The Thunder have picked up steam going into Game 3 in Indiana, but the Pacers now have the upper hand. The Oklahoma based franchise will need to win both games away from home or, at the very least, avoid losing both if they want to recapture the series’ home-court advantage.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander adds another record to his career in Game 2 of the NBA Finals

SGA is spearheading the Thunder’s historic season, which is full of individual and team accomplishments the team has never witnessed. He added another one to his name as he guided his side to an important win. He is now the 12th player in NBA history to rack up 3000 points or more in a season after making a start in Game 2 of the NBA Finals.

Gilgeous-Alexander joins other NBA greats, including Shaquille O’Neal, Wilt Chamberlain, Kobe Bryant, and Michael Jordan. Only three other NBA players currently in play—Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Luka Doncic—have achieved this accomplishment. Interestingly, LeBron James missed this mark by one point during the 2017–18 campaign (2999 points).

2484 of Gilgeous-Alexander’s points came during the regular season. In addition, he talked about how his teammates assisted him in scoring the points he did. This was after winning the Magic Johnson Award for Western Conference Finals MVP.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander gave his flowers to the ‘special Thunder fans’ for their support after Game 2

Game 2 saw the Thunder clinching an important win on home turf, with the crowd fully behind their side. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander made sure to thank the Oklahoma City supporters who rocked the Paycom Center during the first two Finals games. The league MVP referred to the supporters as “special” and described how they genuinely improved OKC’s performance on the road.

It feels like throughout the whole playoffs the crowd has found a way to get louder every game. I don’t know how they do it. It’s special to be able to play in front of them.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said

The next two games in the series will be played in Indiana. OKC supporters will have the opportunity to watch their team play Game 5 to close up the Finals if the Thunder wins both. But there’s still plenty of basketball to be played. On Wednesday night, Game 3 will be played at Gainsbridge Fieldhouse.

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