Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Just Did Something Only Michael Jordan Has Done In Last 50 Years
SGA is channeling MJ these days.
The Oklahoma City Thunder are 18-1 to start their title defense season, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is making NBA history.
According to ESPN Insights, with Gilgeous-Alexander’s 40-point performance against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night, SGA became, “just the second player in the last 50 seasons to have 16 30-point performances through 19 games of the season.”
The other player? Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan, who did it 17 times in 1986-87.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s torrid start has reignited MJ talk.
Fans and pundits point to SGA’s blend of scoring prowess, defense and playmaking as echoing the Bulls icon’s early dominance. But is this all a little too much? Despite the above accomplishment, the SGA-MJ comparisons often feel more like hype than history, ignoring the chasm between a year or two of elite play (SGA) and a career etched in six rings (Jordan).
Jordan redefined basketball and what greatness meant in the NBA. SGA, at 27, dazzles with silky drives and mid-range mastery, but the greater narrative surrounding him and the Thunder is team excellence.
One banner for Gilgeous-Alexander is a huge accomplishment, but Jordan’s throne remains solitary and far from threatened. On the other hand, the Thunder have a real chance to eclipse the regular season best-record this year. 74 wins is not out of the question for OKC, which would only invite more Jordan buzz.
