LeBron and MJ Welcoming a New Member: What is SGA-Brunson doing in the 2025 Playoffs to astonish the entire NBA?

The 2025 NBA Playoffs have delivered unforgettable moments — from buzzer-beaters to breakout performances. But two stars have risen above the rest, not just leading their teams deep into the postseason, but also joining two of the greatest legends in NBA history: LeBron James and Michael Jordan.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks have each recorded 10 games of 30+ points and 5+ assists in this year’s playoffs. This statistical achievement places them in an ultra-exclusive club shared only with LeBron (who achieved this feat three times) and MJ (also three times). It’s a statement not just about talent, but about consistency, dominance, and leadership in the toughest stretch of the season.

Let’s break down how these two modern stars earned their place in basketball royalty — and what it means moving forward.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: The Silent Superstar Turns Up the Volume

SGA has always played with poise and a graceful, calculated style — but this postseason, the Thunder’s leader has gone full throttle. Gilgeous-Alexander has not only been Oklahoma City’s offensive engine, but also their emotional heartbeat. His calm demeanor masks the assassin-like precision with which he slices through defenses.

In a tough Western Conference, SGA’s rise has been instrumental in pushing the Thunder to the Conference Finals, outdueling seasoned stars and stepping up during clutch moments. His scoring average in the playoffs hovers near 30 PPG, and his assists have been critical in making OKC’s youthful roster click.

What makes his run more impressive is the efficiency. He’s not just jacking up shots — he’s dissecting defenses. His mid-range game, ability to draw fouls, and improved three-point shooting make him nearly unguardable in isolation sets.

And now, with his name alongside LeBron and MJ, the message is clear: SGA isn’t the future — he’s the now.

Jalen Brunson: New York’s Renaissance Leader

What Jalen Brunson has done for the New York Knicks is nothing short of revolutionary. In a city starving for basketball relevance, Brunson has revived hope with his fearless, high-IQ performances. He’s not flashy — but he’s relentless, surgical, and mentally unshakable.

Brunson has averaged over 32 points per game during these playoffs, shouldering the scoring load while also involving teammates and thriving in crunch-time moments. His footwork, composure, and ability to finish through contact have made him the best point guard in the Eastern Conference this postseason.

What makes his accomplishment even more remarkable is the context. He’s doing this with a banged-up roster, missing key teammates like Julius Randle, and yet never missing a beat. Game after game, Brunson has torched elite defenders, pulled off game-winning plays, and kept the Knicks alive in tightly contested battles.

Now with 10 playoff games of 30+ points and 5+ assists, he joins LeBron and Jordan — two players who defined eras. And it begs the question: Is Brunson now a top-10 player in the NBA?

LeBron James and Michael Jordan: The Gold Standard

For perspective, LeBron James and Michael Jordan aren’t just Hall of Famers — they’re the benchmark for postseason greatness. Both players dominated when it mattered most, not only scoring at will but also making their teammates better.

Michael Jordan accomplished the 30+ points, 5+ assists stat line three times in his playoff career — in 1989, 1990, and 1992 — during peak Bulls championship runs.

LeBron James matched that three times as well — in 2009, 2018, and 2020 — showcasing longevity and dominance in both Miami and Cleveland/L.A. eras.

So when SGA and Brunson join these two names, it’s not just a flashy stat — it’s an indicator of elite company, elite performance, and potential future Hall of Fame trajectories.

Can SGA or Brunson Lead Their Team to the NBA Finals?

With both players still alive in the postseason race, the next step is clear: win the conference and challenge for the title.

For SGA and the Thunder, it’s about continuing their momentum against seasoned Western juggernauts. Their young core, including Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams, offers depth, but SGA will need to remain the unstoppable force he’s been.

For Brunson and the Knicks, the challenge is navigating an Eastern Conference that still has strong squads like the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat. But if anyone can carry a franchise on his back, it’s Brunson — who has shown zero fear in any matchup.

The Legacy Implications: From Stars to Superstars

This postseason stretch could become the turning point in both players’ careers.

For SGA, who had already earned All-NBA honors, this cements his place as a top-five player in the league. He’s no longer a small-market standout — he’s a title threat.

For Brunson, whose All-Star snub last season shocked many, this run validates everything Knicks fans have believed. He’s no longer “underrated.” He’s a superstar in plain sight.

Joining a record alongside LeBron James and Michael Jordan isn’t a fluke. It’s a badge of greatness — and it proves that these two are ready to take over the league’s biggest stage.

What’s Next?

The 2025 NBA Playoffs are far from over, and with both Gilgeous-Alexander and Brunson still performing at elite levels, the best may be yet to come.

One thing is certain: this is a changing of the guard. While legends like LeBron continue to compete, the rise of SGA and Brunson signals the emergence of a new era — one where the next great rivalries and legacies are being written in real-time.