Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is one of the most talented scorers in NBA history at just 27 years old. He took home the 2024-25 MVP award, averaging a league-leading 32.7 points per game.
Even after his decorated season and the Oklahoma City Thunder’s championship, Gilgeous-Alexander shows no signs of slowing down. He continues to shatter records, capturing the attention of NBA legends who paved the way for tremendous players like him.
Paul Pierce Compares Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to Michael Jordan
Fans often fall victim to hyperbolic comparisons, but Paul Pierce has the resume to back up his bold claim about Gilgeous-Alexander. The 10-time All-Star and Hall of Famer said the Thunder superstar’s prolific scoring ability reminds him of Michael Jordan.
Paul Pierce says SGA is giving him a ‘Jordan presence’
“You can’t stop him… I know we had Kobe, LeBron, KD, and they’ll have big nights, but this dude is consistent 30’s.”
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— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) December 1, 2025
“He’s starting to give me that Jordan presence, like seriously … He’s going to get 30, you can clock 30,” Pierce said confidently.
Jordan totaled 562 30-point contests over his 15-year career. Oklahoma City’s star guard has 195 through his first eight seasons. Gilgeous-Alexander still has a long way to reach Jordan’s number. However, if he continues his strong blend of efficiency, volume, and usage, he might overtake Jordan later in his career.
Gilgeous-Alexander scored 30 points in 17 of the Thunder’s 21 games this season. As of Dec. 1, he’s averaging 32.5 points, 6.6 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per contest. The 11th pick in the 2018 NBA Draft is also shooting 54.5% from the field, 41.1% on 3-pointers, and 88.7% from the free-throw stripe.
However, to fully understand the greatness behind these numbers, fans must look deeper. Oklahoma City consistently blows out its opponents, often emptying its bench in the final frame. Gilgeous-Alexander has only played 10 times in the fourth quarter this season. He averages 7.1 minutes in the frame for those games.
Pierce also put Gilgeous-Alexander in the same company as more current elite scorers. “You can’t stop him… I know we had Kobe, LeBron, KD, and they’ll have big nights, but this dude is consistent 30s,” said Pierce.
This season marks Gilgeous-Alexander’s fourth straight campaign averaging at least 30.0 points. Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant did not achieve this feat. In fact, none of them hit this mark four times in their legendary careers.
Gilgeous-Alexander Makes History
In the Thunder’s most recent win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Nov. 30, Gilgeous-Alexander scored 26 points. While he fell short of 30, the game marked his 93rd consecutive contest with 20 more points, breaking the legendary Wilt Chamberlain’s streak. Thunder All-Star Jalen Williams gave his thoughts on Gilgeous-Alexander’s amazing feat.
“It’s not so much of a shock to me to hear that stat … He works hard enough, and he outworks a lot of the competition, to where it’s almost expected,” said Williams.
Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder do not look like they are slowing down any time soon. They take on the Golden State Warriors in their next matchup on Tuesday, Dec. 2 as they strive to extend their winning streak to 13 games.
