Shai Gilgeous-Alexander etched his name in NBA Finals history with a spectacular debut performance that showcased why he’s the league’s reigning MVP. The Thunder star dropped 38 points against the Indiana Pacers in what became the third-highest scoring Finals debut ever recorded.
Despite the Oklahoma City Thunder falling 111-110 on Tyrese Haliburton’s last-second shot, SGA’s night was special in ways that had the basketball world talking.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ‘s Finals Debut Makes History and Breaks Records
The NBA’s official social media post said it all – SGA’s 38 points were the third-most ever scored in a Finals debut. His performance placed him alongside some of the greatest players ever and demonstrated why he’s considered one of the best in the game today.
Only Allen Iverson’s incredible 48 points in 2001 and George Mikan’s 42 points way back in 1949 were better than what Gilgeous-Alexander achieved on this night.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander made HISTORY in Game 1 👏
His 38 PTS are the 3rd-most in a Finals debut EVER, behind only:
Allen Iverson (48 – 2001)
George Mikan (42 – 1949) pic.twitter.com/Bz8Me1Cgbj— NBA (@NBA) June 6, 2025
Iverson’s 48-point debut came in 2001 when his Philadelphia 76ers shocked the Lakers in overtime, featuring his iconic step-over moment. Mikan’s 42 points in 1949 helped Minneapolis beat Washington, marking the start of his legendary dynasty with seven titles in nine seasons.
What makes SGA’s game even more impressive is that his 38 points are the most ever scored in a Finals debut where the player’s team lost. The 26-year-old guard scored more in his first Finals game than legends like Michael Jordan and Kevin Durant did in theirs, placing him among basketball’s elite performers.
Gilgeous Alexander was hot right from the start, scoring 19 points in the first half while shooting 8-for-12 from the field and 3-of-5 from three-point range. His smooth mid-range shots and clever drives helped the Thunder build big leads throughout the game, sometimes by as much as 15 points.
The fourth quarter showed why he is clutch, as he scored 11 points, including a step-back jumper with 1:32 left that almost won the game for Oklahoma City. His final numbers were 38 points, five rebounds, three assists, and three steals while shooting 14-of-30 from the field, showing he could do it all on both ends.
“The series isn’t first to one, it’s first to four. So we have four more games to get, they have three, that’s just where we are. We gotta understand that. We gotta get to four before they get to three, if we want to win an NBA championship, it’s that simple,” he said after the game.
“It’s not rocket science… We have to be better.” 🗣️
SGA reacts to a stunning OKC loss in Game 1 of the #NBAFinals. pic.twitter.com/fCURoQEPsO
— NBA TV (@NBATV) June 6, 2025
SGA’s calm under Finals pressure and smart defense-attacking style reminded many people of Bryant’s best playoff moments. The loss was tough for Oklahoma City, as they led almost the entire game before Haliburton’s game-winner.
Game 2 is scheduled for Sunday, June 8 at 8:00 p.m. ET, giving the Thunder a chance to bounce back at home. SGA will try to build on his historic debut performance to help even the series in what promises to be another exciting matchup.
