Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Passes NBA Legend in 30-Point Games
The Thunder's MVP candidate played just three quarters on Friday night but still equaled his scoring average. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander might not have many 40-point outbursts or set any single game records, but he has proven to be good for at least 30 points on most nights. His 30-point consistency this season has been impressive and he's already surpassing NBA legends.
With Gilgeous-Alexander's 31-point performance against the Hornets on Friday, he passed Reggie Miller in 30-point games on the all-time NBA record books. SGA now has 115 in his career. Miller is regarded as one of the all-time great scorers and in the conversation for the greatest shooter ever. He's in the NBA Hall of Fame, was a three-time All-NBA selection, a five-time All-Star and part of the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team.
Gilgeous-Alexander has the most 30-point games in the NBA this season at 37 total. The next closest player is Luka Doncic at 32. While he likely won't top the single-season record for 30-point games, he could certainly land in the top-ten. Wilt Chamberlain holds the single-season record at a ridiculous 78 games of 30 points or more. Right now, Gilgeous-Alexander has scored 30 points or more in 75.5% of his games played this season.
Even though he has passed Miller, he still has a ways to go to make a dent on the all-time list. Michael Jordan holds the record with 562 games of 30 points or more, and LeBron James is a close second at 546.
Gilgeous-Alexander is currently second in the MVP standings and has the Thunder positioned at No. 1 in the Western Conference. He's averaging 31.3 points, 6.4 assists and 5.6 rebounds on an unbelievable 54.8% from the floor. He's also shooting 35.2% from 3-point range and 89% from the free throw line. In addition to his offensive output, he's turned it up on the defensive end, too, adding 2.3 steals and 0.8 blocks per game.
It has been a special season for Gilgeous-Alexander, and it's not over yet.
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