If Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder wants to win back-to-back MVP trophies, he needs to keep playing like he did on Tuesday night.
He was a sensation for the Thunder as they beat the Houston Rockets in double overtime, scoring 35 points, five rebounds, five assists, two steals, and two blocks.
According to StatMuse, that puts him in very good, exclusive company.
There are only three other active players who have double-digit 35/5/5/2/2 games.
Those players are LeBron James, James Harden, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and now Gilgeous-Alexander.
Active players with double-digit 35/5/5/2/2 games:
— LeBron
— Harden
— Giannis
and now, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. pic.twitter.com/RZXhWGJpr0
— StatMuse (@statmuse) October 22, 2025
Emotions were high during Tuesday’s game, as the Thunder had just accepted their championship rings and raised the banner for thousands of fans.
Gilgeous-Alexander and his team wanted to underline just how important the night was with a big performance, and he played his heart out.
Last year, he produced a league-high 32.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.0 blocks.
If that was good enough for MVP last year, it should definitely keep him in the running for the same prize in 2025-26.
Gilgeous-Alexander has no intention of slowing down and will try to build upon those numbers and make them even more impressive.
Tuesday night was just one game, but it was the exact sort of showing that fans wanted to see from him.
The months ahead will not be a cake walk because the rest of the league understands how special the Thunder are and will do anything they can to slow them down.
But that might be impossible if Gilgeous-Alexander continues to play like he did on Opening Night.
His campaign for a second MVP and title has clearly and loudly started with a bang.
NEXT: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Opens Up About Clippers Matchups