The Oklahoma City Thunder are young and fun, led by star point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
The 24-year-old Canadian entered Wednesday averaging 31.5 points (fifth in the NBA), 5.8 assists, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.1 steals. And on Wednesday night, Gilgeous-Alexander took things to another level.
Gilgeous-Alexander tied a career-high with 42 points, dished out seven assists, and pulled down six rebounds in the Thunder’s 121-120 road victory over the Washington Wizards.
Oh, and he made the game-winning three, on a difficult stepback after showing off some nasty handles.
SGA game-winning 3 to tie his career high at 42 points! 🏀🔥pic.twitter.com/4je9x5GOCc
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) November 17, 2022
SGA. Unbelievable.
Ties his career high with 42. pic.twitter.com/jBqolir9Fr
— Joe Mussatto (@joe_mussatto) November 17, 2022
That’s a fitting way to cap off a remarkable performance.
Gilgeous-Alexander hasn’t been selected to the NBA All-Star Game yet in his young career, but he’s well on his way in the 2022-23 season. And that could just be the beginning of some significant accolades coming his way if he keeps improving.
SGA is now averaging 32.3 points per game after Wednesday’s performance, which puts him in a tie with Joel Embiid (who recently had an amazing performance of his own) for second in the NBA in scoring. Only Luka Dončić is averaging more at 34.4 points per game.
The NBA world has had plenty of praise and factoids regarding Gilgeous-Alexander after he scored 42 points and nailed the game-winner on Wednesday night.
SGA is on pace to be the first guard to average 30 PPG on less than 3 3PA per game since Michael Jordan. pic.twitter.com/N18cpkyNhT
— StatMuse (@statmuse) November 17, 2022
SGA this season:
32/5/6
1.9 SPG
1.4 BPG
55/40/91%Just give him the All-NBA spot already. pic.twitter.com/zvJmY1WzVb
— StatMuse (@statmuse) November 17, 2022
SGA’s last 10 games:
42 PTS – 6 REB – 7 AST
37 PTS – 4 REB – 8 AST
37 PTS – 5 REB – 8 AST
20 PTS – 3 REB – 4 AST
39 PTS – 4 REB – 4 AST
33 PTS – 7 REB – 5 AST
18 PTS – 1 REB – 3 AST
37 PTS – 4 REB – 3 AST
34 PTS – 4 REB – 6 AST
38 PTS – 6 REB – 9 ASTAbsolute superstar pic.twitter.com/sLO9NRygMi
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) November 17, 2022
The AD trade gets a lot of attention but at least that netted the Lakers a championship. Clippers traded a zillion picks and SGA and haven't gotten shit from the Paul George, Kawhi Leonard era.
— Anthony F. Irwin (@AnthonyIrwinLA) November 17, 2022
The thing about SGA is he is so disciplined on not cranking that step-back 3 all game even though it is totally there for him. He keeps it under lock and key and then breaks it out right when he needs it.
— Royce Young (@royceyoung) November 17, 2022
SGA has never even been an all-star before and he’s out here putting up MVP performances
— Molly Morrison (@mollyhannahm) November 17, 2022