Gilgeous-Alexander Scores 51, Joins Elite NBA Scoring Club

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder made history Monday night by scoring 51 points in a thrilling 137-128 victory over the Houston Rockets, marking his fourth 50-point game of the season.

The performance further solidifies Gilgeous-Alexander’s place as a front-runner for the NBA MVP award, as he leads the league with an impressive average of 32.6 points per game. This latest outburst also brought his total to four 50-point games since January 22, a feat he had never accomplished in any of his previous six seasons.

In addition to his scoring prowess, Gilgeous-Alexander also contributed five rebounds, seven assists, one steal, and one block in just 36 minutes of play. His shooting was exceptionally accurate, hitting 18 of 30 field goals, including 5 of 9 from three-point range, and sinking all 10 free throw attempts.

“I tried to be a little more aggressive once we got out to that start,” Gilgeous-Alexander said, reflecting on his performance. “They kind of blitzed us a little bit. I tried to be aggressive, be assertive and not let the game get away from me.”

His four 50-point games this season tie him with Kevin Durant for second on the Thunder’s all-time list, trailing only Russell Westbrook, who recorded five in his tenure with the franchise. Gilgeous-Alexander’s achievement also places him in an exclusive club, as he becomes the 12th player in NBA history to record four or more 50-point games in a single season.

This elite group includes legends like Wilt Chamberlain, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Remarkably, he is the first Canadian-born player to reach this milestone.

Jalen Williams also made a significant contribution to the Thunder’s win, adding 24 points in a game that showcased Oklahoma City’s offensive capabilities. The Thunder’s victory marked their 50th win of the season, extending their winning streak to four games.

The Rockets, playing without several key players including Alperen Şengun and Fred VanVleet, struggled to contain the Thunder, particularly Gilgeous-Alexander, who scored 20 points in the first quarter alone. Despite a gritty effort, the Rockets couldn’t keep pace as Oklahoma City pulled away in the third quarter, outscoring Houston 39-27.

Gilgeous-Alexander’s rise has been noteworthy, especially following a stellar January when he averaged 35.5 points per game. His newly enhanced three-point shooting has made him an even more versatile scoring threat, as he shot 42.3 percent from beyond the arc in February.

“If you look at his growth year over year, 3-point shooting is definitely there,” Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault said. “It’s amazing how much improvement he’s made despite being an elite player, an MVP candidate a year ago.”

As the regular season approaches its conclusion, the Thunder are in a premier position to make a deep playoff run. Gilgeous-Alexander’s scoring surge represents not only personal milestones but also the potential for championship aspirations in Oklahoma City.