Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s start to NBA season has already broken unique record set by Michael Jordan

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sets record for most points scored in first two games by MVP

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 55 points against the Indiana Pacers to help secure the win for the team. This follows on from his 35-point performance against the Houston Rockets.

In doing so, Shai has set the record for the most points scored by a reigning MVP in the first two games of the NBA season, with 90 points.

The previous record holder was none other than Michael Jordan, who scored 72 points in the first two games of the 1991-92 NBA season, right after he won his second MVP and first NBA title.

Since then, the only player to come close to that record was Shaquille O’Neal in the 2000-01 NBA season, when he scored 70 points across his first two games.

Of course, it should be mentioned that neither Jordan nor O’Neal went to 2OT during their first two games, like Shai did.

But even with that said, that would basically mean that Shai outscored them by 18 points while having played just 20 minutes more than them, which is very impressive.

SGA also sets unfortunate free-throw record in first two games

However, one of the biggest criticisms surrounding Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has surfaced again – his over-reliance on free throws.

Across the first two games, Shai has shot 40 free throws, the most by any NBA player in the same game span in history.

Last night’s game saw Shai attempt 26 free throws, with many fans complaining about him getting to the line so easily.

Given Shai’s negative reputation as a free-throw artist, this situation became a major focus for several fans and detractors.

As the season goes on, Shai’s numbers will come down from the 45 points per game he is currently averaging. But his free-throw numbers will determine his reputation as the months go on.