Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Becomes First Player Since Steph Curry to Achieve Unique Stat

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Apratim Banerjee | Last updated May 29, 2025 12:05 AM ET

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder from the front this season. The Canadian has already won the MVP award for the season.

His performances have been superb throughout the postseason as well. The Oklahoma City Thunder currently lead the Minnesota Timberwolves 3-1 in the Western Conference finals.

They have also started Game 5 in spectacular fashion and look on course to close the series. The Thunder had a 33-point lead at the end of the first half (65-32).

At the time of writing this piece, they hold a 35-point lead in the fourth quarter (111-76). The series is close to being done and dusted.

MVP Gilgeous-Alexander has once again led from the front. The 26-year-old has already scored 34 points in Game 5.

He is the first ever player to score 30+ points in four series-closing games in a season since 2017. The last man to do it was Steph Curry that year.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the first player to have 4 30+ point games in series close-out games since Stephen Curry in 2017.

2. pic.twitter.com/xqk7xeKFeP
— Thunder Lead (@ThunderLead) May 29, 2025

The Golden State Warriors and Curry went on to win the NBA that season. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder can do the same this term.

They are in the NBA finals and will play the winner of the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks. The Pacers lead that series 3-1 at the moment.

Gilgeous-Alexander often faces criticism for his style of play, with accusing the 26-year-old of foul-grifting. He has also been labeled as a free-throw merchant on occasions.

However, throughout the season, and also in the series against the Timberwolves, the 26-year-old has been phenomenal.

Apart from Game 3, he has shone on every occasion. Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder have looked one step ahead of their opponents.

Mark Daigneault's team is now set to fight for the ring. With an NBA championship to his name, Gilgeous-Alexander can strengthen his case as the greatest ever Canadian player in the NBA.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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