Shai Gilgeous-Alexander becomes third highest scorer in OKC Thunder history
By Rylan Stiles
![Nov 8, 2023; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) runs down the court against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports Nov 8, 2023; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) runs down the court against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/381683f390abdfa0d7ce5eed65a98d421a997d0ff78b5b551fba6a13e4bdfd6a.jpg)
The Oklahoma City Thunder have seen Shai Gilgeous-Alexander skyrocket into Superstardom since trading for the point guard in 2019. Since that trade, Gilgeous-Alexander has played many different roles in many iterations of the team.
In his first season in Bricktown, the OKC Thunder saw Shai Gilgeous-Alexander learn from Hall of Fame Point Guard Chris Paul, forming a lethal three-guard lineup with Dennis Schroder in the mix. After a surprising season that saw the Thunder end as the fifth seed after being given a 0.2 percent chance to make the playoffs, Oklahoma City rightfully pivoted.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to climb the ranks for the OKC Thunder, now sitting third all-time in scoring for the franchise.
That is when the Thunder handed the keys to the Kentucky product, though Shai Gilgeous-Alexander played in just 35 seasons before suffering an injury. The following season was much the same as he and Josh Giddey worked to find their chemistry.
Then, another surprise run that saw the OKC Thunder rattle off 40 wins and a trip to the Play-In Tournament, falling a game shy of the postseason. That season, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander averaged over 30 points per game, earning himself the superstar label.
The max contract point guard landed on the All0NBA First-Team, finishing fifth in MVP voting and making his first All-Star appearance. He followed up that effort with a Summer full of dominating on the International Stage, highlighted by dethroning Luka Doncic and Team USA.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is now third all-time in scoring for the OKC Thunder. pic.twitter.com/oZgeMGrqMB
— Rylan Stiles (@Rylan_Stiles) November 23, 2023
This season, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has picked up right where he left off, averaging 29 points per contest. After scoring his fourth point tonight against the Chicago Bulls, Gilgeous-Alexander has passed Serge Ibaka to earn the third spot on the Franchise-High in scoring (Only OKC era).
The only players standing before Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on the All-Time scoring list for the Oklahoma City Thunder are Kevin Durant (17,566) and Russell Westbrook (18,859).
dark. Next. NBA Champion fears Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has woken up a "Sleeping Giant" in Golden State