Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Oklahoma City Thunder’s star guard, is already one of the most efficient and prolific scorers in NBA history.
With his unique ability to score seemingly at will, SGA has quietly risen to become an offensive force, blending creativity, consistency, and control in a way few players ever have. His scoring averages and milestones speak volumes, but his style of play and the ease with which he executes leave an even stronger impression. As he continues to elevate his game, Gilgeous-Alexander is cementing his legacy as a once-in-a-generation scorer.
Off the court, SGA’s fashion-forward persona turns heads, with his postgame fits rivaling those of high-profile runway shows. But on the court, it’s a completely different story. His scoring is so smooth and understated that it almost sneaks up on you. Unlike many other stars whose buckets are loud and forceful, SGA’s points come with a quiet inevitability with a smoothness players admire.
Watching SGA cook is less like witnessing a fireworks show and more like appreciating a perfectly composed symphony. His ability to operate in the midrange, coupled with a soft touch around the rim and a steady jumper, makes him nearly impossible to defend.
Consistency and Versatility
At just 26 years old, Gilgeous-Alexander is already in rare company. He’s on pace for his third consecutive season averaging at least 30 points per game joining a short list of legendary bucket getters like Michael Jordan, Wilt Chamberlain (twice), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, former OKC player James Harden, Bob McAdoo, and Oscar Robertson. SGA’s game is built on a foundation of consistency; over the last two-plus seasons, he has failed to score 20 points in just 10 out of 164 games. His ability to maintain this level of production game after game, season after season, separates him from many other scorers who rely on hot streaks or flashes of brilliance.
Despite not being known for explosive scoring outbursts, SGA’s career-high 54 points in a win against the Utah Jazz this season proved he can dominate when the moment calls for it. In that game, he shot an efficient 17-of-35 from the field, hit 17-of-18 free throws, added eight rebounds, five assists, and three steals. With 40-point games becoming almost routine for him—six this season alone—he’s tied with reigning MVP Nikola Jokić for the most 40-plus-point games in the league this year. Yet, it’s not just the volume but the methodical and efficient way he scores that sets him apart.
Born in Canada and represented his country in the 2024 Olympics, SGA would be at the top of a very short list of scorers at 1win-ca.com if you were to wager which player would score 30 points. He has the most 30 point games during the 2024-25 season after all.
A Scoring Style All His Own
What makes SGA’s scoring so remarkable is his smooth, almost effortless style. His ball handling isn’t flashy, but it’s fluid and purposeful, allowing him to navigate defenses with precision that has made him an elite level scorer. His mid range jumper, often called “butter” by fans and analysts, is nearly automatic. Whether it’s pulling up from 15 feet, finishing through contact at the rim, or finding his way to the free-throw line, SGA has a way of dictating the game on his terms.
At 6-foot-6, Gilgeous-Alexander’s size and athleticism give him the versatility to score against almost any type of defender. He’s too quick for big men, too strong for guards, and too crafty for wings. And he does it all without relying heavily on the three-point shot. While his 34.8% career three-point shooting might seem modest, his form and touch suggest that this part of his game will only improve. As he adds more range to his arsenal, defenses will have an even harder time containing him.
A Road Less Traveled
Unlike many elite scorers, SGA didn’t burst onto the NBA scene as a scoring phenom. In his lone season at Kentucky, he averaged a modest 14.4 points per game, and he was drafted 11th overall in 2018. Even as a rookie, he averaged just 10.8 points per game. Few believed that he would be the superstar he would be today. One person that believed in SGA was his former coach Doc Rivers:
From today’s BS Pod: Here’s Doc Rivers on the Clippers trading SGA in 2019’s Paul George trade (and whether it had to happen at all) — some Kawhi stuff I never heard buried in here. pic.twitter.com/fMheLDs4RE
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) December 12, 2023
His evolution into one of the NBA’s most feared offensive players has been gradual, but it speaks to his work ethic, mindset and adaptability. He’s one of only four players in NBA history—alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kobe Bryant, and James Harden—to average 30 points in a season after averaging fewer than 11 as a rookie.
SGA’s rise was somewhat unexpected, even after he was traded to the Thunder in the blockbuster deal for Paul George. But instead of being overshadowed by the trade’s magnitude, he embraced the opportunity to lead a young Thunder team. Fast forward to today, and SGA has already surpassed George as an offensive weapon. His ascent has been so steady and consistent that it almost feels like he “slithered” into the conversation about the NBA’s greatest scorers.
Historical Significance
If Gilgeous-Alexander continues at his current pace, he’ll become just the 10th player in NBA history to average 30 points per game for three consecutive seasons. That list includes some of the game’s all-time greats, from Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Oscar Robertson. For context, Kevin Durant—widely regarded as one of the greatest scorers ever—has only averaged 30 points per game twice in his career.
SGA is also on track to pass 10,000 career points this season. If he maintains his current level of production, he could potentially reach 20,000 by his 12th season, putting him in position to join the exclusive club of 30,000-point scorers. His ability to get to the free-throw line at an elite rate further bolsters his scoring numbers. Currently fourth in the league in free-throw attempts, he consistently punishes defenses for their mistakes.
The Future of Scoring
What makes Gilgeous-Alexander’s accomplishments even more impressive is the fact that his scoring arsenal is still evolving. His three-point shooting and leadership are areas with room for growth, and as those aspects of his game mature, he could become even more dominant. But even now, his ability to score in the midrange, finish at the rim, and draw fouls makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses.
Watching SGA work on offense is a masterclass in control and efficiency. He doesn’t force shots or rely on brute strength. Instead, he lets the game come to him, finding gaps in the defense and exploiting them with precision. Whether it’s a crossover into a pull-up jumper or a crafty finish in traffic, his scoring feels inevitable.
As Gilgeous-Alexander continues to lead the Thunder to one of the best records in the league, his performances have gone from being underrated to impossible to ignore. At just 26, he’s already etched his name among the greatest scorers in NBA history, and his journey is far from over.