The Oklahoma City Thunder have become one of the best teams in the league right now, and while it’s taken a whole team effort to get there, there’s no doubt that the biggest factor in their meteoric rise in the 2023-24 season is Shai plays Gilgeous-Alexander.
Now in his fifth season with the organization, the guard has become synonymous with the “Superstar” moniker thanks to his stellar two-way play and overall leadership.
Not only did he earn himself a second consecutive All-Star selection and set himself up for the league’s Most Valuable Player Award at season’s end, but with his on-court production and averages, Gilgeous-Alexander has been, All lumped into the same conversation as NBA legend and basketball’s acknowledged GOAT, Michael Jordan.
He is just one game away from tying his record for most consecutive appearances.
At his current pace, he could score 30 points or more with fewer than 4 turnovers, becoming the only player in league history to average at least 31.0 points, 6.0 assists and 2.0 steals while shooting 50% from the field. % or higher, the 25-year-old has been linked with the six-time champion on multiple occasions during his stellar season.
After the Thunder’s recent win over the Phoenix Suns, in which Gilgeous-Alexander had 35 points, eight rebounds and nine assists, along with three steals and three blocks, he opened up about his statistical comparisons to Jordan. A sentimental comment, he said, making an unsurprising and generally modest statement on the matter: “It’s an honor.”
“It’s an honor. To be able to be part of these conversations, if I’m in it, about why you play this game and what you dreamed about as a kid. It’s an honor. Obviously, before I get to that point, I There’s still a long way to go.” To even have the same conversation with him, but it’s an honor. “
– Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
The Thunder went on a 10-0 offense ⚡ pic.twitter.com/2mPyPjhYol
— okcthunder (@okcthunder) March 4, 2024
In 59 games played, Gilgeous-Alexander found himself averaging 31.2 points, 6.5 assists, 5.6 rebounds, 2.1 steals and just shy of a block while shooting 54.8% from the field and 38.2 from three. %.
The Thunder are on pace to clinch their first playoff berth since 2020 and are currently the top seed in the Western Conference with the second-best point differential in the NBA.
While many players have contributed to their success this year, none have been as impactful as SGA’s Jordan-like level of play.
As mentioned before, it is an honor for him to be able to compare his skills to those of legends. For fans, watching the game is a privilege.