History has been made.
With a combined 72 points across his first two NBA Finals appearances, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (@shai) now holds the record for the most points ever scored by a player in their first two career NBA Finals games. Scoring 38 points in Game 1 and following it up with 34 in Game 2, Shai has not only etched his name in the record books — he’s taken the basketball world by storm.
If there was any doubt before these Finals about whether Shai belonged on the biggest stage, that doubt has been thoroughly erased. In just two games, he has delivered a masterclass in poise, control, and shot-making under pressure. The NBA Finals are where legends are born — and Shai looks more than ready to take his place among them.
From the opening tip of Game 1, it was clear Shai came into the Finals with something to prove. He attacked the rim fearlessly, navigated through tight defensive coverage, and showed off that signature smooth midrange game. With 38 points in his Finals debut, he set the tone not just for himself, but for the entire series. That performance was electric — a blend of confidence, patience, and deadly efficiency.
But he wasn’t finished.
In Game 2, with defenses even more focused on stopping him, Shai adjusted. He picked his spots, drew fouls, knocked down clutch buckets, and kept the scoreboard ticking for his team. His 34-point follow-up wasn’t just about raw scoring — it was about leadership. Every time his team needed a response, he delivered. When momentum swung, Shai took it back. When the pressure mounted, he stayed cool and composed.
What makes Shai’s achievement even more impressive is the efficiency and control with which he’s doing it. These aren’t empty stats or volume shots — they’re meaningful, high-impact points that keep his team in contention and shift the balance of the series. He’s doing it within the flow of the game, without forcing, and with complete trust in his teammates.
Shai’s performance is also a reflection of the evolution of his game. From his early days as a promising guard with potential, to now leading his team on the NBA’s biggest stage, his growth has been nothing short of incredible. His footwork, patience, and vision allow him to dissect even the most elite defenses. And now, under the bright lights of the Finals, he’s proving he’s not just a rising star — he’s a superstar.
This record — most points in the first two NBA Finals games — puts him in a category of his own. Think about the greats who’ve stepped onto this stage: Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Stephen Curry. None of them started their Finals careers with a scoring burst quite like this. Shai is setting the bar in a way no one expected, but now everyone respects.
Beyond the numbers, it’s also the intangibles. Shai leads by example — with calm demeanor, relentless work ethic, and an unshakeable belief in himself and his team. He doesn’t need to be flashy or loud. His game speaks volumes. His ability to read the game, adjust mid-play, and create opportunities for both himself and others is what separates him from so many others.
The opposing defense has tried nearly everything — blitzing him on the perimeter, throwing double teams, switching bigger defenders — but so far, nothing has rattled him. If anything, it fuels him. Shai’s ability to remain poised, find gaps, and make smart decisions under pressure is what has made him the most reliable weapon on the court.
And perhaps most importantly, he’s inspiring his teammates. His performance has elevated the entire roster. When your best player shows up in the biggest moments, it sends a message. It builds belief. It rallies the locker room. Right now, OKC is rallying behind Shai — and the league is watching.
At just 25 years old, Shai is already doing things that many players dream of but never achieve. Records are being broken. Eyes are being opened. And the basketball world is realizing just how special he really is.
With the series still very much alive and the intensity only rising, all signs point to Shai continuing this historic run. If the first two games are any indication, he’s not just trying to win games — he’s building a legacy.
72 points in two Finals games.
A new record.
A new standard.
A new superstar officially arrives. 🌟
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, take a bow — because you’ve just made NBA Finals history. And something tells us you’re just getting started. 🔥
