Oklahoma City, OK - Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered yet another standout performance, scoring 51 points to help the Oklahoma City Thunder secure their 50th victory of the season with a 137-128 win over the Houston Rockets on March 3, 2025. This remarkable achievement not only marks the ninth time the Thunder have reached this milestone in their history but also reinforces Gilgeous-Alexander's position as one of the leading MVP candidates this season.
The game began with Gilgeous-Alexander quickly asserting himself, scoring 20 of the Thunder's 30 points during the first quarter. His efforts laid the foundation for Oklahoma City's strong performance, cementing their status as the first team to hit 50 wins this season, and currently holding the best record at 50-11. Despite the Rockets' late-game push, the Thunder's consistent offensive strategy kept them on top.
Gilgeous-Alexander's record-breaking night was not one-dimensional. Along with his incredible scoring, he also contributed significantly with five rebounds, seven assists, and efficient shooting numbers—a stellar 18-of-30 from the field, including 5-of-9 from beyond the arc and perfect 10-of-10 from the free-throw line. His fourth 50-plus point game this season showcases his growth as not just a scorer, but as a leader on the court.
“If you look at his growth year over year, 3-point shooting is definitely there. I think the blend of shooting, attacking and passing early is definitely there,” said Thunder coach Mark Daigneault. He added, “He’s got an unbelievable pace to him right now — he’s attacking and really hitting the gas on some plays.”
Other Thunder players stepped up as well; Jalen Williams added 24 points, demonstrating the team's depth, bolstered by Lu Dort making back-to-back three-pointers late to secure their lead. The Thunder's performance was notable, with their defense managing to keep the struggling Rockets at bay, especially considering the absence of key players for Houston due to injuries.
The Rockets, who are now at 37-24, were without pivotal players including Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson, and Dillon Brooks. Nevertheless, Cam Whitmore managed to match his career-high with 27 points and 11 rebounds, and Reed Sheppard also stepped up, contributing 25 points, but it was not enough against the relentless Thunder.
Despite Houston's early lead and their efforts, as the game progressed, it became evident Oklahoma City was not to be underestimated. After trailing briefly, they took control before halftime, leading 63-62. The Thunder continued to extend their advantage throughout the second half, entering the fourth with a 102-89 lead after Gilgeous-Alexander's dynamically scored 45 points by the end of the third quarter.
With tenacity, the Rockets made attempts to close the gap, reducing the Thunder's lead to just six points. Yet, Gilgeous-Alexander secured his 50th point on a putback following Cason Wallace’s missed dunk, pushing the Thunder back to 132-120 and effectively sealing the victory.
Oklahoma City's dominant performance now places them with considerable cushion atop the Western Conference, leading the Denver Nuggets by 11 games. Gilgeous-Alexander’s scoring average stands out at 32.6 points per game, making him the league's top scorer. This efficiency, paired with his solid contributions across the board, has electrified fans and positioned him favorably against stiff competition for the MVP title. Notably, Nikola Jokić is also having a season for the ages, leading many debates about MVP fate this year.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s remarkable run over the past seven weeks features not only his 51-point game but also showcases the sheer volume of points he regularly scores. The Thunder's play style is heavily centered around his abilities, allowing him to thrive under pressure.
With dominant performances and playoff aspirations, the Thunder's next challenge awaits as they travel to Memphis, where they hope to solidify their winning streak. Fans, analysts, and basketball enthusiasts alike will closely monitor Gilgeous-Alexander’s performance, as he continues to build on what has already been one of the most exciting scoring runs in recent memory.