Shai Gilgeous-Alexander put on another spectacular performance, scoring 50 points and leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to a commanding 140-109 victory over the Phoenix Suns at Paycom Center on February 5, 2025. This impressive feat marked the third time Gilgeous-Alexander reached the 50-point milestone within just seven games, solidifying his status among NBA greats.
The Thunder continued their dominant form, extending their winning streak to three games and maintaining their top position in the Western Conference standings. Gilgeous-Alexander's scoring exploits have been nothing short of phenomenal, as he is now the only ninth player in NBA history to score 50 points three times within seven games. The company he keeps is impressive, featuring legends such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Elgin Baylor, Kobe Bryant, Wilt Chamberlain, Luka Doncic, James Harden, Michael Jordan, and Damian Lillard.
During the game, Gilgeous-Alexander demonstrated precision and grace, shooting 18 for 29 from the field, including three 3-pointers and converting 11 of his 12 free-throw attempts. What made the night even more remarkable was how efficiently the Toronto-born player outperformed his competition, scoring 18 points more than the entire Suns team during one stretch.
Trailing by 12 late in the second quarter, the Suns managed to take the lead thanks to Bradley Beal and Devin Booker, who scored 25 and 19 points respectively. They looked capable of causing trouble for the Thunder, but everything changed after halftime. The Oklahoma City defense tightened, with the Suns hitting only 1 out of their 13 attempts from the field during the third quarter, where the Thunder dramatically outscored them 43-16.
Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault made the strategic decision to keep his superstar on the court even after Gilgeous-Alexander reached 46 points early in the fourth quarter, hoping for him to hit the coveted 50-point mark. "He told me not to rush it. If he didn’t say to take my time, I was definitely going to rush it," Gilgeous-Alexander explained post-game. His patience paid off as he hit a pullup jumper just two minutes later to reach the 50-point milestone, receiving resounding applause from the crowd as he left the court shortly afterward.
Shai’s success this season has not come by chance. He has transformed his mindset, allowing for greater flexibility during gameplay, which has resulted in outstanding scoring output. "I used to really focus hard on efficiency... Instead of just taking what the defense gives me all night," he reflected, demonstrating his growth as a player.
With this performance, his season average has risen to 32.8 points per game, indicating his strides toward claiming the league's scoring title. This latest victory and his consistent performances have provoked conversations about the MVP race, with many believing he is certainly making his case.
Despite their record of 40 wins this season, the Thunder are not without challenges. Notably missing from the Suns was star player Kevin Durant, who missed his 11th game due to injury. The Suns, struggling without Durant, fell to 1-10 when he does not play, marking significant difficulties for the team as they now find themselves on the verge of falling out of contention.
On the other side of the specter, the Thunder continue to look stronger, not just with their scoring but with their overall team dynamics. Aaron Wiggins and Jalen Williams added 17 and 13 points respectively, emphasizing the team's balanced attack alongside Gilgeous-Alexander's stellar play.
After the game, Gilgeous-Alexander reflected on his accomplishments, emphasizing his commitment to growth: "I feel like I’m getting bigger... Most important, skill-wise, mentality-wise. Sharpening my blade, sharpening my tools..." This focus on self-improvement suggests he's set on not just achieving personal milestones but also leading his team to success as they push toward the playoffs.
Overall, this game is emblematic of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's emergence as one of the NBA's elite scorers and players, and the Thunder's continued dominance points to what could be a very exciting end to the season.