The Oklahoma City Thunder are 18-1 to start their title defense season, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is making NBA history. According to ESPN Insights, with Gilgeous-Alexander’s 40-point performance against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night, SGA became, “just the second player in the last 50 seasons to have 16 30-point performances through 19 games of the season.” The other player? Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan, who did it 17 times in 1986-87. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander became just the second player in the last 50 seasons to have 16 30-point performances through 19 games of the season.The other is Michael Jordan who did it 17 times in the 1986-87 season ð³ pic.twitter.com/zoCVzZPFtM— ESPN Insights (@ESPNInsights) November 27, 2025 Gilgeous-Alexander’s torrid start has reignited MJ talk. Story continues below advertisement Fans and pundits point to SGA’s blend of scoring prowess, defense and playmaking as echoing the Bulls icon’s early dominance. But is this all a little too much? Despite the above accomplishment, the SGA-MJ comparisons often feel more like hype than history, ignoring the chasm between a year or two of elite play (SGA) and a career etched in six rings (Jordan). Jordan redefined basketball and what greatness meant in the NBA. SGA, at 27, dazzles with silky drives and mid-range mastery, but the greater narrative surrounding him and the Thunder is team excellence. Story continues below advertisement One banner for Gilgeous-Alexander is a huge accomplishment, but Jordan’s throne remains solitary and far from threatened. On the other hand, the Thunder have a real chance to eclipse the regular season best-record this year. 74 wins is not out of the question for OKC, which would only invite more Jordan buzz.