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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Joins NBA Legends Michael Jordan and LeBron James with Historic Playoff Performance
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has firmly cemented his place among NBA greats after leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to the 2025 NBA Finals with a series of historic playoff performances.
Following the Thunder’s dominant 124-94 Game 5 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference Finals, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s name was added to an elite list of players who have achieved remarkable statistical milestones during a single postseason.
The NBA officially recognized Gilgeous-Alexander as one of only three players in league history to record at least 30 points and 5 assists in 10 or more playoff games within a single postseason.
The other two legends to accomplish this feat are Michael Jordan and LeBron James, both widely regarded as two of the greatest players in NBA history. Jordan achieved this milestone multiple times during his dominant runs in the late 1980s and early 1990s, while James reached it three times in the 2010s.
Historic statistical milestones
Beyond the 30-point, 5-assist threshold, Gilgeous-Alexander has also joined Michael Jordan and LeBron James as the only players in NBA playoff history to tally at least 442 points, 84 rebounds, 103 assists, and 23 steals through the first 15 games of a postseason.
Jordan accomplished this twice, in 1989 and 1991, while James did so once in 2017. Gilgeous-Alexander’s inclusion in this exclusive group highlights his all-around impact and efficiency on both ends of the court.
He also joined the likes of Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, and LeBron James by scoring 70+ points, grabbing 15+ rebounds, and dishing out 15+ assists over any two-game span in the Conference Finals—a testament to his versatility and dominance.
MVP honors and leadership
Gilgeous-Alexander’s historic playoff run follows his first-ever NBA Most Valuable Player award during the 2024-25 regular season. His leadership and elite production have transformed the Thunder from a rebuilding team into legitimate title contenders.
With the Thunder set to face either the New York Knicks or Indiana Pacers in the NBA Finals starting June 5, Gilgeous-Alexander and his teammates carry momentum and home-court advantage. His historic performances have not only energized the franchise but also raised expectations for a potential championship.
If the Thunder capture the title, Gilgeous-Alexander would become the first player since Michael Jordan in 1991 to achieve these playoff statistical milestones while winning the NBA championship, further solidifying his place among the all-time greats.