Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered another masterpiece, scoring 51 points as the Oklahoma City Thunder secured their 50th win of the season. His performance against the Houston Rockets marked his fourth 50-point game in just seven weeks. No other player has recorded more than one this season.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 50 for 50 Accents His Dominant Scoring
Gilgeous-Alexander shot 18-of-30 from the field, 5-of-9 from three, and made all 10 of his free throws. His dominance in the paint and efficiency at the line set him apart. His 17th career game with 20 points in the paint and 10 free throws made surpassed LeBron James, ranking him seventh all-time in such games since 1997-98.
His scoring outbursts have fueled the Thunder’s rise to a Western Conference-best 50-11 record. The team has won three of the four games in which he scored at least 50 points. While individual accolades matter, Gilgeous-Alexander made it clear that winning is the priority.
“Whether it’s 50, whether it’s 27, whether it’s 17—as long as we win, I have fun with it,” he said.
A Historic Run of 50-Point Performances
Before this season, Gilgeous-Alexander had never scored 50 points in a game. Now, he has done it four times in record-breaking fashion. No player in NBA history has reached their first four 50-point games in a shorter span.
His scoring streak began with a 54-point explosion against Utah on January 22. A week later, he dropped 52 against Golden State. He followed that with 50 in a win over Phoenix on February 5. Against Houston, he secured his fourth 50-point game with a putback layup in the closing minutes.
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault praised his star guard’s poise and decision-making.
“He’s got an unbelievable pace to him right now. He’s attacking when necessary and letting the defense dictate when to pass,” Daigneault said.
Gilgeous-Alexander started the game aggressively, scoring 20 points in the first quarter. Despite his early dominance, Houston led 31-30 at the end of the period. By halftime, he had 28 points, and heading into the fourth, he had 45. He sealed the win with six crucial points in the final frame.
Another scoring masterclass for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander!
⛈️ 51 PTS
⛈️ 5 REB
⛈️ 7 AST
⛈️ 5 3PMHis 4th 50-PT game of the season gives the Thunder their 50th win of the season ‼️ pic.twitter.com/yUB0AdVgny
— NBA (@NBA) March 4, 2025
MVP Case: Unmatched Scoring and Team Impact
Gilgeous-Alexander’s dominance places him at the center of the MVP conversation. He leads the league in 50-point games (4), 40-point games (9), and 30-point games (37). His 32.6 points per game make him the NBA’s top scorer.
Perhaps most impressively, he has scored at least 20 points in 56 straight games. The next closest player, Jalen Brunson, has only done so in seven consecutive games. The gap underscores how consistent and irreplaceable Gilgeous-Alexander has been for the Thunder.
The Thunder’s success further strengthens his MVP case. They are tied with the Cleveland Cavaliers for the most wins in the league. Their fifth-ranked offense has thrived despite missing Chet Holmgren for 43 games. Without Gilgeous-Alexander, the team’s offensive firepower would be significantly weaker.
A Historic MVP Season?
If Gilgeous-Alexander wins MVP, his 32.6 points per game would be the highest since Michael Jordan’s 1987-88 campaign—excluding Joel Embiid’s injury-shortened MVP season two seasons ago. That level of scoring puts him in rare company- seventh-most all time among MVP winners. It’s poetic that his scoring will match Jordan’s as we haven’t really seen scoring like this from the mid-range since the days of his airness.
His ability to take over games has made the Thunder one of the NBA’s most dangerous teams. Whether it’s a 50-point explosion or a steady scoring night, his impact remains undeniable. With a month left in the regular season, his dominance could secure the MVP award and set the stage for a deep playoff run.
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