MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander He is a player from another era because of his dedication to mid-range shooting, which declared him the best player in the world the year before, but also because his numbers go back in time. 60 years Back: Canadian point guard scores 31 points in champion Thunder’s win over Memphis Grizzlies Santi Aldama (119-103) Score 20 or more points 100 times in a row. The last person to commit such atrocities was Wilt Chamberlain Between 1961 and 1963.

The absolute record for games with 20 or more goals is still held by the man who fell. 100 points It was Chamberlain’s first fight on the same night since he played in 126 games in his 20s. The Thunder star replaced the Philadelphia and Lakers legend’s 92 games of 20 points or more in 1963-1964, relegating him to third place and snatching a second record in early December.

One person who witnessed Shai’s historic act from the front row was horrified. Santi Aldama. The leader of the Spanish team finished with nine points, seven rebounds and one assist despite hitting 4/13 from the field and 1/5 from triples. 37 points Wizards game. His scoring record, something not seen from a Spaniard since his unforgettable 37 goals. ricky rubio In the 2021 finals at Madison Square Garden, only Pau and Marc Gasol scored more points among Spaniards.

But even though the third loss was planned in just over a week after the Spurs and Timberwolves lost at Oklahoma, the night became a battle between Gilgeous-Alexander and his Thunder. And while Memphis pulled within seven points with five minutes remaining, coach Tuomas Isalo’s team missed its more capable scorer. jaren jackson jr. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope each scored 16 points.

they weren’t ja morant Ankle injuries are nothing new for the Grizzlies, with a number of players in the medical room, including 6-foot-7 hulkers Zach Eady and Brandon Clarke. However, in terms of casualties, things were in the balance with the Thunder also missing a number of games, including Alex Caruso, Isaiah Hartenstein and Chet Holmgren to name a few.

But these thunders are even putting stars out from under the stones with the young garbage they have, and last night it was its turn branden carlson Although he’s not that young at 26 years old and wasn’t drafted in 2024, he has been a huge success story for Oklahoma State’s development department. In his first NBA start, the 2-foot-13 center filled a very difficult gap left by injured Hartenstein and Holmgren, posting 11 points, three rebounds and two assists in 25 minutes.

jaylen williams He earned 24 points and became SGA’s most loyal follower. Ajay Mitchell — another emerging OKC star — didn’t fail to contribute with 16 points off the bench.

The Grizzlies used a lot of dribbling and post actions to slow down the game, and at times kept the Thunder in check with their split-second games, moving the ball from side to side, making quick decisions and executing them. One of the most interesting options for Memphis is to change the ball to the other side for the big man and have the player immediately pick up a one-on-one and break through.

Tennessee’s team was able to handle the ball and finish plays to avoid the horrible transition that OKC would sign for a devastating quarter, but the final outburst shy He ended up finishing the contest and, unfortunately for Memphis, coming off the 3-point line.

If there’s one area where the Canadians are a little weaker, it’s the triple, but that’s no longer their weakness. SGAsigned 3/4 from the perimeter with an elegant step-back and then made two outside shots. But it was the self-pass off the backboard that really got Oklahoma fans excited. they accuse him of being a merchant free throw – He only shot six last night – but the fact is, Gilgeous-Alexander is an outstanding improvisational artist.

He’s averaging 32.5 points this season, including an impressive 43% on 5-point range from long range. MVP continues to record an attractive 100 games and is in danger of completely touching the untouchable record. Wilt Chamberlain.