The Oklahoma City Thunder’s 2025 NBA championship run is closely tied to the exceptional performance of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The Canadian star led his team to basketball greatness with an individual season that ranks among the best in league history. His achievements sparked debates comparing his impact to some of the game’s all-time legends, including Michael Jordan.
Following his first NBA championship, Gilgeous-Alexander joined an elite group of players who secured the regular season MVP, Finals MVP, and scoring title all in the same season. This distinguished company includes Shaquille O’Neal, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Michael Jordan, emphasizing the rarity of such a feat in NBA history.
Contextualizing Gilgeous-Alexander’s Season Compared to Past Greats
Critics such as Dallas Rutherford have boldly suggested that Gilgeous-Alexander’s 2025 season is the best from any guard since Michael Jordan’s iconic 1998 campaign. While this comparison highlights the stature of SGA’s performance, Paul George offers a more measured perspective on the debate.
George acknowledges the impressive level of Gilgeous-Alexander’s season but points out some distinctions when compared to Michael Jordan. On Podcast P, he emphasized a key difference in accolades:
Didn’t [Michael Jordan] win one more? He made the First Team All-Defense as well,
George observed, noting Jordan’s additional defensive honors that Shai has yet to achieve. Despite this, George praised Gilgeous-Alexander’s remarkable contributions to the league.
But from a season standpoint, you’ve got to put [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander] in that conversation. That’s a hell of a year, especially in the league today,
Paul George stated, recognizing the significance of SGA’s performance during the current era’s competitive context.
Defense and Playing Style Differences Between Gilgeous-Alexander and Jordan
While Shai Gilgeous-Alexander excels offensively, his defensive resume does not match Michael Jordan’s remarkable record. Jordan was renowned for his defense, earning nine All-Defensive Team selections and the 1988 Defensive Player of the Year award. In contrast, Gilgeous-Alexander, despite his scoring prowess, has yet to receive major defensive acknowledgments.
George highlighted Gilgeous-Alexander’s unique playing style, which contrasts with modern analytics-driven basketball strategies. He pointed out that Shai doesn’t conform to the usual mold focused on threes and layups, instead thriving with a strong mid-range game and frequent trips to the free-throw line.
Analytics despise the way SGA plays more now than they did in any other area. You want threes and layups, well, he gets to the free-throw line and doesn’t shoot threes. So, for him to be able to do that should put more emphasis on the players that can operate in a mid-range game,
Paul George explained, underscoring the significance of SGA’s ability to succeed outside of the prevailing offensive trends.
The Significance of Gilgeous-Alexander’s Season Within NBA History
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 2025 campaign stands as one of the most impressive in recent memory, even if it doesn’t fully reach the heights of Michael Jordan’s legendary 1998 season. His success emphasizes the value of diverse playing styles, particularly the often-overlooked mid-range game, in leading a championship team.
The Thunder star’s achievement reflects both personal excellence and a broader shift in the NBA’s evolving strategies, bringing renewed attention to versatile scoring methods. While comparisons to Jordan remain a high bar, Gilgeous-Alexander’s place among the greats of his era appears well earned.