Shai Gilgeous-Alexander stakes his claim on aliens with ‘abnormal’ dominance

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and shorthand Oklahoma City Thunder cruised to a 122-102 victory over All-Star Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks. With only 11 active Thunder players on the road after rookie Brooks Barnheiser was called up from the G League, Oklahoma City jumped out to a double-digit lead and never looked back. The Bucks never led.

After the win, Thunder head coach Marc Daigneault highlighted Gilgeous-Alexander’s dominant 40-point performance, where the reigning league MVP led the offense with tremendous efficiency, poise and determination. Daigneault reminded everyone that Gilgeous was Alexander’s access to the game is truly exceptional.

“He had 40 (points). He was 16 for 19. He had 11 assists. He had two turnovers. What he’s doing is not normal,” Daigneault said. “I think it looks normal. He doesn’t sweat a lot of nights, but what he’s doing is not normal. So I think it’s important to remember that. The level of efficiency depending on the level of difficulty. He sees every coverage every night, including tonight. They target guys.

“He finishes plays over Giannis, who is one of the best weak shot blockers in the last decade. He consistently makes very tough overhand pulls. Along with 11 assists, he had eight assists in the first half. He still mixes his aggression with the rest of the team, which allows everyone else to play well. So they activate everyone else well. He’s been so consistent, but tonight was pretty special.

Gilgeus-Alexander was also 6-for-7 from the free throw line, finishing with seven rebounds, one steal and just two turnovers as SGA — which ranks sixth in offense (121.9) — helped keep the Bucks at bay. Starting with Jalen Williams, Ajay Mitchell scored all of his 18 points in the first half and Kenrich Williams had 18 points on 8-of-13 shooting and a team-high eight rebounds led the Thunder bench.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s historic 40-point game against the Bucks

Thunder All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander made NBA history against the Bucksbecoming just the second player to finish with at least 40 points, five rebounds and 10 assists while shooting 80% or better in over 40 years. The Raptors’ Immanuel Quickley accomplished an impressive feat in Tuesday’s 145-127 win against the Warriors.

Gilgeous-Alexander became the second player reach 40 points, five rebounds, 10 assists and shoot 80 percent or better from the floor in one game, according to StatMuse.

Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder return home to host the Pacers at the Pike Center on Friday.