The NBA Finals stage is where legends are born — and right now, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is writing his name into the history books.
In just his second career Finals game, the Oklahoma City Thunder superstar has already etched himself into NBA lore. With another electric scoring performance, Shai surpassed Hall of Famer Allen Iverson for the most points scored through the first two NBA Finals games in a player’s career. It’s a jaw-dropping accomplishment, and one that confirms what fans and analysts have been saying all season: Shai is not just a rising star — he’s a certified superstar.
A Scorching Start on the Biggest Stage
Facing the brightest lights and the fiercest competition, Gilgeous-Alexander has looked more composed and dominant than ever. He poured in a remarkable scoring total across Games 1 and 2 of the Finals, demonstrating his elite scoring craft, poise, and clutch gene.
Iverson, who previously held the record with his iconic 71-point total over his first two Finals appearances in 2001, is revered for his fearlessness and scoring brilliance. For Shai to surpass him — especially this early in his Finals debut — speaks volumes about the level he’s operating at.
With defenders throwing every scheme at him — traps, switches, full-court pressure — Shai has remained unshaken. He’s scoring at all three levels: slashing to the rim, burying mid-range jumpers, and knocking down crucial threes. More importantly, he’s doing it with control and rhythm that makes it look effortless.
The Numbers Tell the Story
Gilgeous-Alexander finished Game 1 with a stellar 36 points, and he followed it up with another 38 in Game 2, bringing his two-game total to 74 points — the most by any player in NBA history in their first two Finals games.
For context, Iverson had 48 in his legendary Game 1 win against the Lakers in 2001, and followed that with 23 in Game 2. That set the record at 71 — until Shai came along and rewrote it.
What’s even more impressive is that Shai’s points have come with high efficiency. His shot selection is pristine, his footwork surgical, and his ability to manipulate defenders at his own pace has become one of his greatest weapons.
A Star Among Stars
In a series full of All-Stars, it’s Gilgeous-Alexander who’s emerged as the defining figure. Not only has he elevated his own game, but he’s also lifting the Thunder with him. Every big moment, every swing in momentum, Shai has responded like a leader and a Finals MVP candidate.
He’s setting the tone for a young Thunder team making its first Finals appearance since the Kevin Durant-Russell Westbrook-James Harden era. But unlike that 2012 team that was overwhelmed by the moment, this Thunder squad is being steadied by Shai’s maturity and brilliance.
The Legacy Building Begins
Records like this don’t just get you mentioned on highlight reels — they start to build a legacy. Gilgeous-Alexander has spent years crafting his game and ascending through the league. Now, on the grandest stage, he’s breaking records set by all-time greats and proving he belongs in those conversations.
Surpassing a legend like Allen Iverson — someone who redefined scoring in the modern era — is not just a statistical achievement. It’s a symbolic passing of the torch. Shai’s calm demeanor, smooth style, and relentless approach to winning are ushering in a new era for the NBA.
What Comes Next?
With the series heating up and shifting locations, all eyes will be on how Gilgeous-Alexander responds. But if his first two Finals games are any indication, we haven’t even seen his peak yet.
One thing’s for certain: Shai is no longer just an up-and-coming name. He’s a record-breaking force, leading a young Thunder team with history on his side and greatness in his sights.
The moment is his — and he’s making the most of it. 🔥
