Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Breaks Iverson’s Record in the NBA Finals – Is This a Sign of a New Legend for the NBA?

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has officially arrived on the NBA’s biggest stage — and he’s making history while doing it. In just his first two career NBA Finals games, the Oklahoma City Thunder superstar has surpassed the legendary Allen Iverson for the most points ever scored through a player’s first two Finals appearances, cementing his name among the greats.

This is not just a hot streak — this is an all-time performance, one that could change the trajectory of the Finals and alter how we view Gilgeous-Alexander’s place in basketball history.

A Historic Start on the Grandest Stage

In Games 1 and 2 of the 2025 NBA Finals, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander dropped a combined 74 points, eclipsing the previous record of 71 points set by Allen Iverson in 2001. That year, Iverson famously torched the Lakers for 48 points in Game 1 and followed it with 23 in Game 2, setting a high standard for Finals debuts.

But Shai has now raised that bar.

The 25-year-old Canadian guard opened the series with a masterful 36-point performance in Game 1, dazzling fans with his signature herky-jerky drives, mid-range mastery, and cold-blooded finishes. In Game 2, he elevated further, dropping 38 points, including a flurry of clutch buckets down the stretch that nearly snatched a road win.

Elite Company: Surpassing a Hall of Famer

Allen Iverson is a Hall of Famer, MVP, and one of the most iconic scorers in NBA history. The fact that Gilgeous-Alexander has already passed his Finals debut record speaks volumes about Shai’s rare blend of talent, poise, and production.

This isn’t just a stat — it’s a statement.

“I’ve always dreamed of this moment,” Shai said after Game 2. “To be mentioned with someone like AI? That’s surreal. But I’m focused on helping my team win a championship.”

A Breakout Years in the Making

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s breakout didn’t come out of nowhere. He’s been ascending season after season, but 2024–25 has been a different beast.

• Averaged 31.5 points per game in the regular season

• Led the Thunder to the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference

• Was named First Team All-NBA

• Finished second in MVP voting, behind only Nikola Jokic

• Became the face of OKC’s post-Durant rebuild

His efficiency, leadership, and two-way dominance have been on full display, and now he’s delivering under the Finals spotlight.

A Thunderous Title Chase

With Gilgeous-Alexander leading the charge, the Thunder have shocked the league with their maturity, resilience, and sheer explosiveness. Alongside Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, and a deep young core, Shai has powered OKC back into the Finals for the first time since Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden made it there in 2012.

The Thunder’s front office, led by GM Sam Presti, patiently built a roster filled with versatile defenders, skilled playmakers, and future stars. Now, it’s all coming together — and SGA is the engine.

The Modern-Day Iverson?

The comparisons between Gilgeous-Alexander and Iverson don’t end with the scoring record. Both guards are:

• Undersized by traditional standards but unstoppable with the ball

• Fearless in attacking the rim

• Known for their killer mid-range game

• Unflappable under pressure

But while Iverson’s 76ers eventually fell to the juggernaut Lakers in 2001, Shai’s Thunder are still very much alive and looking like a team built to win now — and for years to come.

Social Media Reacts to the Milestone

The internet exploded after the historic stat was revealed following Game 2.

• @ESPN: “Shai Gilgeous-Alexander just passed Allen Iverson for most points through 2 career Finals games. This ain’t just a breakout — it’s a takeover. 🔥”

• @HoopCentral: “SGA is HIM. What a rise. What a moment.”

• @NBAHistory: “History made. Gilgeous-Alexander: 74 points in first two Finals games. Iverson: 71. LeBron: 48. KD: 53. Kobe: 38.”

Even Allen Iverson himself weighed in, reposting a highlight reel of Shai’s Game 2 dominance with the caption:

“Respect the new wave 💯 #Killer”

What’s Next for Shai and the Thunder?

If this pace continues, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander could be on track for a Finals MVP — especially if the Thunder manage to win the series. His poise under pressure, command of the offense, and ability to deliver in crunch time have turned the Finals into his personal showcase.

The next challenge? Game 3 on home soil in Oklahoma City, where the Thunder faithful will be louder than ever.

With the series tied 1–1, the pressure is mounting, and Gilgeous-Alexander is carrying the expectations of an entire franchise and fanbase. But if the first two games are any indication, he’s more than ready for the moment.

Final Thoughts: A Star is Crowned

In a league overflowing with elite guards — from Stephen Curry to Luka Dončić to Ja Morant — it’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander who’s stealing the show right now.

Passing Allen Iverson’s legendary Finals start isn’t just a cool stat. It’s a historic achievement, a torch being passed, and perhaps the first page of a new chapter in NBA lore.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is not just knocking on the door of greatness — he’s kicking it down. And if he keeps this up, he may soon be holding both a Finals MVP trophy and the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy.