Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's historic season continues to roll on. With the Oklahoma City Thunder's backs against the wall, down 1-0 to the Indiana Pacers, they called on their superstar, MVP to save the day -- once again.
Gilgeous-Alexander posted his second straight 30-point game (34), and his Thunder came away with a Game 2 win vs. the Pacers 123-107. This NBA Finals series will now head to Indiana tied 1-1.
Gilgeous-Alexander has set the standard for scoring in the NBA this season, and playoffs, breaking multiple records along the way. However, to truly understand his greatness, and scoring prowess, a deeper dive into the numbers is imperative.
Gilgeous-Alexander's 34 points on Sunday, brought his season total (including playoffs) to 3,032 points scored. Crossing over the 3,000-point margin in a single season (including playoffs), puts Gilgeous-Alexander in elite NBA company.
As per @statmuse on X, only Michael Jordan, Shaquille O'Neal, and Kevin Durant have eclipsed 3,000 points, since the NBA/ABA merger, in a single season (including playoffs).
No one has accomplished this feat more than Jordan. He scored at least 3,000 points in a season nine times, reaching the mark in the regular season alone in the 1986-87 NBA season.
O'Neal (1999-00) and Durant (2013-14) each accomplished it one time, once again highlighting how impressive Jordan's career was.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) shoots the ball against Indiana Pacers forward Isaiah Jackson (22) during the second half during game two of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) shoots the ball against Indiana Pacers forward Isaiah Jackson (22) during the second half during game two of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
This feat also highlights how impressive Gilgeous-Alexander's first NBA MVP season has been. Joining the elite ranks of two Hall of Famers (Jordan and O'Neal) with Durant expected to be a future inductee when his career is said and done, is no small task for the 26-year-old, Gilgeous-Alexander.
His next chance at history will come in Game 3 of the NBA Finals. With the series tied 1-1, the crucial Game 3 will tip-off on Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. EDT on ABC inside Gainbridge Fieldhouse.