Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's Historic MVP Run: A Statistical Deep Dive
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's recent NBA achievements are nothing short of remarkable. The Oklahoma City Thunder guard has not only led his team to success but has also etched his name in the history books with a clutch performance that has earned him the Kia MVP award for the second consecutive season.
In this article, we delve into the numbers behind his historic run, exploring the statistics that showcase his dominance on the court.
Consecutive 20+ Point Games
One of the most impressive feats Gilgeous-Alexander achieved was setting an NBA record for most consecutive 20+ point games. On March 12, he reached his 127th straight game with a 20+ point performance, surpassing the previous mark held by Wilt Chamberlain since 1963. This streak extended to 140 games by the end of the regular season, and it's safe to say that this record will continue to grow in the upcoming season.
Scoring Consistency
Gilgeous-Alexander's scoring prowess is evident in the numbers. He played in 68 games this season, scoring 20+ points in every single one, becoming the first player since Chamberlain to achieve this feat in a regular season with a minimum of 50 games played. Additionally, he posted 43 games with 30+ points, eight games with 40+ points, and one game with 50+ points, finishing second in the league in scoring at 31.1 points per game.
Elite Field Goal Percentage
What makes Gilgeous-Alexander's performance even more impressive is his field goal percentage. He became the only guard in NBA history to average more than 30 points while shooting better than 55 percent from the field. This achievement is further solidified by his ability to join Michael Jordan as the only guards to average at least 30 points on 50 percent shooting or better in four consecutive seasons, a mark he can match next season.
Points and Plus/Minus
Gilgeous-Alexander's impact on the court is also reflected in his plus/minus rating. He recorded the league's highest total plus/minus this season, finishing more than 100 points ahead of the second-ranked player. This statistic highlights his ability to positively influence the team's performance whenever he's on the court.
Perimeter Off-Ball Gravity
Another area where Gilgeous-Alexander excels is in his perimeter off-ball gravity. He led the league in this category, which measures how much a player pulls defenders towards him above expectation. This skill is crucial for a guard, as it allows him to create space and draw attention, making it easier for his teammates to operate.
Points on Drives
Gilgeous-Alexander's efficiency in the paint is another aspect of his game that deserves recognition. He led the league in points on drives while shooting 59.2 percent on such plays. This efficiency propelled him to 10th in the NBA in points in the paint, with 12.4 per game, ranking third among guards.
Clutch Performance
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Gilgeous-Alexander's season is his clutch performance. He led the league in total clutch points, earning the Kia Clutch Player of the Year honors. Despite appearing in the fourth quarter only 42 times due to OKC's commanding leads, he still managed to make a significant impact in those crucial moments.
Historical Context
Gilgeous-Alexander's back-to-back MVP seasons are even more impressive when viewed in the context of NBA history. He joins an elite group of players who have won consecutive MVP awards, including Nikola Jokić, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Steve Nash, and Tim Duncan. This achievement solidifies his place among the league's all-time greats.
In conclusion, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's historic MVP run is a testament to his exceptional talent and consistency. His ability to score, defend, and lead his team has made him a cornerstone of the Oklahoma City Thunder's success. As he continues to dominate the court, the basketball world will undoubtedly be watching, eager to see what he accomplishes next.
