The 2024 NBA Finals have already given basketball fans one of the most electrifying individual performances in recent memory, as Oklahoma City Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has taken the league’s biggest stage by storm. Through the first two games of the series, SGA isn’t just playing at an All-NBA level—he’s operating on a different plane entirely. Averaging a staggering 36.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 3.5 steals per game while shooting over 50% from the field, Gilgeous-Alexander has cemented himself as the most unstoppable force in this year’s championship round.
What makes his dominance even more impressive is the context. The Thunder, a young team that many believed were still a year or two away from true contention, have leaned on their 25-year-old leader to carry them against a battle-tested opponent. And yet, despite the pressure, the double teams, and the defensive schemes specifically designed to slow him down, Gilgeous-Alexander has been unshakable. His combination of elite footwork, mid-range mastery, and relentless defensive intensity has left opponents scrambling for answers.
In Game 1, SGA announced his arrival with a 37-point explosion, slicing through defenses with an array of floaters, step-backs, and clutch drives to the rim. But it wasn’t just the scoring—his defensive presence was just as impactful. He tallied 4 steals, disrupting passing lanes and turning defense into instant offense, a hallmark of his two-way brilliance. When the game tightened in the fourth quarter, Gilgeous-Alexander took over, scoring 12 points in the final six minutes to seal a crucial road victory.
Game 2 was even more impressive. Facing adjustments from the opposing defense—hard traps, physical closeouts, and even occasional box-and-one looks—he adapted seamlessly. He dropped 35 points while dishing out 7 assists, proving he could beat teams as a playmaker when the scoring lanes tightened. His 3 steals once again showcased his ability to impact the game on both ends, and his late-game poise (including a dagger mid-range jumper with under a minute left) silenced a raucous road crowd.
Historically, only a select few players have averaged 35+ points through the first two games of the NBA Finals. Names like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant come to mind—elite company that underscores the magnitude of SGA’s performance. But what separates Gilgeous-Alexander from even those legends is his two-way dominance. No player in Finals history has ever averaged 35+ points and 3+ steals through the first two games, making his start truly unprecedented.
The scariest part? He’s doing it efficiently. Unlike volume scorers who rely on heavy shot attempts, SGA is shooting 53% from the field and 40% from three, numbers that would be impressive for a role player—let alone a primary option facing constant defensive attention. His ability to draw fouls (9.0 free throw attempts per game) while maintaining his shooting touch has made him nearly impossible to contain.
Beyond the numbers, Gilgeous-Alexander’s leadership has been just as vital. The Thunder are the youngest team to reach the Finals in over two decades, and yet they’ve played with the composure of a veteran squad—largely because of their superstar’s unflappable demeanor. Whether it’s calming his teammates during tense moments or setting the tone with his work ethic, SGA has proven he’s not just a stat-sheet filler—he’s a winner.
As the series shifts back to Oklahoma City for Game 3, the question isn’t just whether opponents can slow him down—it’s whether they can even contain him. No defensive scheme thrown at him so far has worked. Blitzing him leads to open threes for teammates. Playing drop coverage invites his lethal mid-range game. And switching smaller defenders onto him is a recipe for foul trouble.
If Gilgeous-Alexander maintains this pace, we could be witnessing the birth of an all-time Finals performance. The Thunder are two wins away from a championship, and if SGA keeps playing at this level, he won’t just be in the conversation for Finals MVP—he’ll be the undisputed heart and soul of a potential dynasty in the making.
One thing is certain: The NBA Finals have found their defining superstar, and his name is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
