MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander just entered GOAT territory — joins Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant in historic NBA playoff milestone

On Monday night at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, the Thunder moved one step closer to their first-ever NBA title, taking down the Indiana Pacers 120-109 in a pivotal Game 5 of the 2025 NBA Finals.

Behind a historic performance from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and a statement outing from Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City reclaimed the series lead, now sitting just one win away from finishing their fairytale postseason run. And as the clock ticked down, SGA didn’t just lead—he left a mark on history.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander makes NBA history with legendary Game 5 performance in Finals showdown

In front of a roaring home crowd, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered one of the most complete performances in Finals history. The Thunder star posted 31 points, 10 assists, four blocks, and two steals—the first player ever to record those numbers in an NBA Finals game, according to StatMuse.

And it wasn’t just the stat line that told the story—it was the poise and impact at every critical juncture of the game.

The Thunder had watched an 18-point lead dwindle to just two early in the fourth quarter. But that’s when Oklahoma City answered with a knockout punch. “Oklahoma City goes on an 18-4 run to put the game away in the fourth quarter,” ESPN reported, as the young squad stormed back in front, shutting the door on Indiana’s comeback hopes.

Jalen Williams erupted for a career-playoff-high 40 points, giving the Thunder a much-needed scoring punch. But it was Gilgeous-Alexander who quietly made history—again. By reaching the 30-point mark for the 15th time this postseason, SGA joined an exclusive club of all-time greats: Kobe Bryant, Hakeem Olajuwon, and Michael Jordan. That’s not just a stat—it’s a statement.

Those three names represent eras of dominance, championship pedigree, and playoff mastery. For Gilgeous-Alexander to now stand alongside them shows just how remarkable his 2025 playoff run has been—an extended display of efficiency, leadership, and clutch scoring that has carried Oklahoma City to the brink of glory.Also Read: Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joins exclusive 3,000-point club with Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant during NBA Finals showdown vs Indiana PacersNow holding a 3-2 series edge, the Thunder head to Indiana on Thursday with a chance to clinch the franchise’s first NBA title. For Gilgeous-Alexander, who’s in just his seventh season, the spotlight grows brighter—and deservedly so. In a postseason defined by resilience and rising stars, SGA has emerged as the face of the moment. One more win, and history won’t just remember the numbers—it’ll remember the legacy.