Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Dubbed as ‘Michael Jordan of Modern NBA’ by Celtics Legend

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been one of the most consistently elite scorers in the NBA over the past three seasons.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Dubbed as ‘Michael Jordan of Modern NBA’ by Celtics Legend

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

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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander made sure his name gets etched into the NBA history books when he won the regular season MVP award, the 2025 NBA championship, and the Finals MVP.

When he won the first of them, many were not happy with the league and the Associated Press’ decision, as they felt he was being wrongly rewarded for being nothing more than a glorified free-throw merchant.

Despite those accusations, some of which hilariously became part of ESPN’s international broadcast, there were others who were happy that the league was finally getting someone new and young to be the face of the league.

Then there is the part where players and their team take it casually after winning the title. But that has not been the case for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and his Oklahoma City Thunder.

Not only is the Canadian leading the league in scoring, but his performances have helped his team lead the standings, even though his most important co-star was out injured for most of this season.

You can’t stop him. He’s starting to give me that Jordan presence… He gonna get 30… I know we had Kobe, LeBron, KD, and they’ll have big nights, but this dude is consistent 30s.

Paul Pierce said on No Fouls Given

The Boston Celtics great believes the likes of Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and other greats have not been as consistent at scoring 30+ points as the Thunder superstar.

That to him is similar to what Michael Jordan produced for his Chicago Bulls. It also explains why the Thunder, with their 20-1 record, are on course to take a shot at the league’s single-season record, which was last held by His Airness’ Bulls, and then the 2016 Warriors.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander surpasses Wilt Chamberlain’s streak

The consistency Paul Pierce is talking about is why the Oklahoma City Thunder has been one of the league’s best teams over the past three seasons.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander against the Portland Trail Blazers
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander against the Portland Trail Blazers (Image via Gazete Nefes Spor/X)

In 2023-24, they could not channel that into a run worthy of the West’s best team. But they rectified it last season, with a run to capture the franchise’s first championship in Oklahoma City.

Now, this season, they are again looking like untouchables, with monster games against other playoff contenders. In all that time, the one constant has been Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

In their last game against the upstart Portland Trail Blazers, the 27-year-old finished with 26 points. That performance saw the Thunder win their 12th straight game.

On an individual level, those points happen to be Gilgeous-Alexander’s 93rd straight game where he scored more than 20 points. By doing that, he passed the great Wilt Chamberlain to have the second most such consecutive games in league history.

If the reigning MVP focuses on his task, he might end up scoring 20+ points in the next 34 straight games. Then he will be able to surpass Chamberlain’s other 126-game record.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander still faces heat for foul-baiting

Among the 26 points Shai Gilgeous-Alexander amassed against the Portland Trail Blazers, 10 were from the 12 free throws he attempted. There is no doubt that he is a master at baiting opponents into fouls.

However, one particular foul went viral on social media. The said play took place around the 9-minute mark of the 3rd quarter, when the OKC star started driving towards the free throw line.

Kris Murray did well to allow the Thunder star to drive towards his dominant hand. But as Gilgeous-Alexander reached the restricted area, he slightly bumped into Murray and instantly threw the ball towards the basket.

Officials immediately blew the whistle, and Murray was left baffled by the call. Even the commentators for the game were surprised. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander did receive a lot of heat on social media for that foul.

To them, this is becoming a regular occurrence and not what basketball should look like. Now, it seems SGA’s teammates are trying to emulate him, leading to further criticism.

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