Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Breaks Finals Scoring Record in Thunder-Pacers Series

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the 2025 NBA MVP, has set a new record by scoring 72 points in his first two NBA Finals games, surpassing Allen Iverson's previous mark, as the Oklahoma City Thunder are tied 1-1 with the Indiana Pacers in the 2025 NBA Finals. Gilgeous-Alexander is aiming to join an elite group of players who have won both the NBA MVP and the championship in the same season, a feat accomplished by legends such as Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, and Bob Cousy. Historically, players who have won both the NBA MVP and Finals MVP in the same season, including LeBron James, Tim Duncan, and Michael Jordan, have cemented their status as all-time greats. The playoffs have showcased numerous clutch performers like Kevin Durant, Nikola Jokić, Kobe Bryant, and Jerry West, who elevated their play under pressure to secure championships and Finals MVP honors. Additionally, a rare group of 31 players never lost in the NBA Finals after making at least three appearances, highlighting the challenge of maintaining perfection on basketball's biggest stage. Gilgeous-Alexander's current playoff performance and MVP status place him among the elite, with a chance to etch his name alongside these legendary figures.