Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Aims Higher After Scoring Career-Best 54 Points In Thunder Win

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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a standout performance by scoring 54 points in the Oklahoma City Thunder's victory over the Utah Jazz. Despite this career-high achievement, he believed he could have scored even more. The NBA MVP contender shot 17-of-35 from the field and made 17 out of 18 free throws, contributing to a 123-114 win. He also added eight rebounds and five assists.

Gilgeous-Alexander became the first Thunder player to score over 50 points since Russell Westbrook did so against the Denver Nuggets in 2017. However, he didn't consider this his best game of the season. "It's always fun, I guess, to get career-highs," he said. "I felt like I could've had a lot more... but there's room to improve and that's a good thing."

The Thunder's star player has been averaging an impressive 32 points per game in the 2024-25 season. This surpasses other MVP contenders like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokic, and Jayson Tatum. Many now see him as a strong candidate for the NBA's top individual award.

The Thunder currently hold a record of 36-7, sharing the league's best standing with the Cleveland Cavaliers. They are ahead by 7.5 games over their closest Western Conference rivals, the Memphis Grizzlies. The team has won six of their last seven games, only losing to the Dallas Mavericks.

During Wednesday's game at Paycom Center, chants of 'MVP' echoed throughout as fans showed their support for Gilgeous-Alexander. When asked about these chants, he expressed appreciation: "They feel good every time I get them. I don't take them for granted."

In addition to his scoring prowess, Gilgeous-Alexander led his team in several key areas during his historic performance. He topped OKC in offensive rebounds with three and defensive rebounds with five. He also recorded five assists and two blocks while making three three-pointers.

The Thunder will face off against the Dallas Mavericks again on Thursday at home after their recent road loss to them by a score of 106-98.