Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images

Paul Pierce says one NBA star gives him a Michael Jordan vibe

Originally posted on HITC | By Luca Rosano | Last updated Dec 2, 2025 6:54 AM ET

Only a handful of players in NBA history have shown clear similarities to Michael Jordan’s game.

There are only a handful of players in NBA history whose style, aura, or impact have drawn genuine comparisons to Michael Jordan. Kobe Bryant was long seen as the closest modern reflection of MJ’s skillset and mentality, while a few current stars — like Anthony Edwards — have flashed Jordan-esque qualities in big playoff moments.

But when asked who gives him that unmistakable “Jordan presence,” Paul Pierce pointed to someone else entirely: Oklahoma City Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is on a historic scoring run and elevating his profile with each passing game.

Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images

Paul Pierce praises Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s historic scoring streak

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has now posted 20+ points in 93 consecutive games, surpassing Wilt Chamberlain’s 1963–64 mark for the second-longest streak in league history. The only player ahead of him is also Chamberlain, who logged an unbelievable 126 straight games with at least 20 points between 1961 and 1963.

Pierce said Gilgeous-Alexander’s consistency evokes memories of Jordan at his peak.
“He’s starting to give me that Jordan presence,” Pierce said. “I’m looking like—he’s gonna get 30. You can clock 30. We had Kobe, LeBron, KD… they’d have huge nights, but this dude is consistent 30s. Like, come on, man.”

Can Shai Gilgeous-Alexander break Wilt Chamberlain’s all-time record?

With 61 games remaining on the Thunder’s schedule, Gilgeous-Alexander has a realistic path to claiming the top spot. He needs 33 more games of 20+ points to surpass Chamberlain’s unmatched streak and rewrite NBA history.

Given Oklahoma City’s dominant 20–1 start and Gilgeous-Alexander’s unstoppable form, the reigning MVP appears well positioned to chase down the record. If he does, it would cement one of the most remarkable scoring achievements ever — and further strengthen his case to win another MVP award this season.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: