Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a historic NBA season in 2025, dominating the league with an average of 32.7 points per game— the highest ever recorded by a Finals champion. This remarkable scoring streak included at least 20 points in 72 straight games, tying a record last seen in the 1960s by Oscar Robertson. His relentless consistency and exceptional performance captured widespread attention across the basketball world.
Recognition from Fellow Players and Fans
Gilgeous-Alexander’s extraordinary season earned admiration from a variety of voices in the sports community, including notable figures such as Pat McAfee and Tyrese Haliburton. McAfee recalled a moment of awe when watching Shai play, admitting,
“I saw him and I go… literally stare at him for like five seconds, dead stare,”
before humorously recounting what he said to Shai:
“Could you have f—ing missed? That would have been cool,”
and later acknowledging,
“I don’t think he ever missed,”
highlighting the near-flawless execution seen throughout the playoffs.
Tyrese Haliburton, a star guard himself, joined in praising Gilgeous-Alexander’s dominance. Reflecting on the quality of Oklahoma City’s team performance throughout the year, Haliburton stated,
“Yeah, for sure… they were the best team all year,”
affirming the respect SGA commanded within the league. When prompted about Gilgeous-Alexander’s standing among scorers worldwide, Haliburton responded without hesitation, emphasizing,
“He’s MVP for a reason.”
The Essence of Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP Caliber Talent
Tyrese Haliburton highlighted what makes Gilgeous-Alexander’s game so special, underlining his ability to find scoring opportunities across multiple areas. From aggressive post plays to smooth shots from the perimeter, Shai’s versatility shines as a fundamental part of his success. As Haliburton summarized,
“SGA is the MVP for a reason and he put together one of the greatest seasons in NBA history..He gets to his spots and he scores at all three levels”
reinforcing the elite nature of Gilgeous-Alexander’s impact on the court.
The Significance of This Season and What Lies Ahead
This season’s achievements have sparked intense discussion about Gilgeous-Alexander’s place in NBA history among the greatest scorers. Even commentators acknowledged the extraordinary nature of accomplishing such feats during a contract year, emphasizing the heightened pressure Shai overcame. Tyrese Haliburton’s final word in recognition of his teammate’s efforts was simply: “Beast.” This succinct tribute encapsulates the intensity and dominance Shai brought to the game throughout the campaign.
As the basketball world reflects on this landmark season, many are left to wonder where Gilgeous-Alexander’s trajectory will lead next and how his legacy will continue to evolve amid comparisons to past legends.