The 2026 NBA Playoffs have provided yet another unforgettable moment, as Oklahoma City Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander etched his name into the league's history books. With a stellar performance in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals, Gilgeous-Alexander joined the legendary Stephen Curry on an exclusive list of point guards who have scored 35 or more points in a conference finals Game 7. This remarkable feat not only underscores his individual brilliance but also signals his arrival among the game's greatest postseason performers.

Historic Game 7 Performance

In the decisive seventh game of the Western Conference Finals, Gilgeous-Alexander erupted for 37 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists, leading the Thunder to a thrilling victory over their conference rivals. The performance placed him alongside Stephen Curry, who achieved a similar milestone during the 2019 Western Conference Finals against the same opponent. Curry scored 37 points in that game, the only other point guard to reach the 35-point threshold in a conference finals Game 7 before Gilgeous-Alexander.

The list of players who have accomplished this feat is remarkably short. It includes only a handful of the NBA's most elite scorers, primarily shooting guards and forwards. For a point guard to achieve this, it requires not only exceptional scoring ability but also the composure to take over a game under the most intense pressure. The conference finals Game 7 is widely regarded as the second-highest pressure environment in basketball, surpassed only by the NBA Finals Game 7.

Stephen Curry's Legacy

Stephen Curry's career is defined by his unprecedented shooting range and his role in revolutionizing the game. Since being drafted by the Golden State Warriors in 2009, Curry has won four NBA championships and two MVP awards. He holds the record for most three-pointers made in a single season (402 in 2015-16) and is widely considered the greatest shooter in basketball history. Curry's ability to change the geometry of a game with his deep shooting has made the Warriors a perennial contender.

Curry's Game 7 performance in the 2019 Western Conference Finals was a masterpiece. Facing a 3-2 series deficit, the Warriors needed a heroic effort from their leader. Curry delivered with 37 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists, outplaying a determined Portland Trail Blazers team. That game cemented his reputation as a clutch performer capable of carrying his team when it matters most.

Over his career, Curry has averaged 26.6 points per game in the playoffs, with a true shooting percentage of 60.5%. His ability to create his own shot off the dribble and score from anywhere on the court makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses. He has also developed into a capable defender and a leader who elevates those around him.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's Rise to Stardom

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, known universally as SGA, has rapidly ascended to become one of the most dynamic guards in the NBA. Drafted 11th overall by the Charlotte Hornets in 2018, he was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers on draft night before being moved to the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2019 as part of the Paul George trade. Since then, he has blossomed into a superstar.

Gilgeous-Alexander's game is built on creativity, length, and an uncanny ability to finish at the rim. Standing at 6'6" with a 7'0" wingspan, he uses his size to overwhelm smaller guards and his quickness to bypass larger defenders. He is a smooth ball-handler who can stop on a dime and get to his spots, especially in the mid-range. His scoring average has steadily increased, reaching 32.1 points per game in the 2025-26 regular season.

Beyond scoring, SGA has developed into a playmaker and a defender. He averaged 5.7 assists and 1.8 steals per game this season, using his length to disrupt passing lanes and his anticipation to create turnovers. His leadership has been instrumental in the Thunder's rebuild, transforming them from a lottery team into a conference finals contender.

The 2026 playoffs have been a showcase for SGA's maturity. He has averaged 31.4 points, 6.2 assists, and 5.1 rebounds through the first three rounds, consistently delivering in clutch situations. The Game 7 performance was the culmination of his growth, as he took control of the game when his team needed him most.

Context of the Exclusive List

The list of players who have scored 35 or more points in a conference finals Game 7 is indeed exclusive. Prior to Gilgeous-Alexander, only Stephen Curry (point guard), Michael Jordan (shooting guard), LeBron James (forward), Kobe Bryant (shooting guard), and a few others had accomplished the feat. For point guards, the achievement is particularly rare because they are often tasked with distributing the ball and managing the game tempo, not just scoring.

What makes Gilgeous-Alexander's feat even more impressive is that it came in his first conference finals appearance. Many players struggle in their initial deep playoff run, but SGA thrived. He became the first player in Thunder franchise history to score 35 points in a Game 7 of any round, joining Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant in the team's storied playoff history, but topping their single-game contributions in the decisive game.

The comparison to Curry is natural: both are point guards who lead their teams with scoring and playmaking, and both have reshaped perceptions of what a point guard can be. Curry changed the game with his three-point shooting; Gilgeous-Alexander is redefining scoring efficiency with his slashing and mid-range game. Both players have also faced criticism about their defense early in their careers, but have improved to become two-way threats.

Impact on the Thunder and the Playoffs

Gilgeous-Alexander's performance has elevated the Oklahoma City Thunder to new heights. The team, which was widely seen as a year or two away from contention, now finds itself in the NBA Finals. SGA's ability to draw double teams and find open teammates has unleashed the Thunder's role players, including Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, both of whom have thrived in the playoff atmosphere.

The Western Conference Finals series was a back-and-forth battle that went the distance. The Thunder faced elimination in Game 6 on the road but rallied behind Gilgeous-Alexander's 41-point effort to force Game 7. In the deciding game, he scored 14 points in the fourth quarter, including a crucial step-back jumper with 90 seconds left to seal the victory.

Even if the Thunder do not win the NBA Finals, this playoff run has already made Gilgeous-Alexander a household name. He has shown that he can carry a team deep into the postseason, a quality that separates good players from great ones. The Thunder's future is bright with SGA at the helm, and this milestone will be remembered as a turning point in his career and the franchise's trajectory.

For NBA fans, the emergence of Gilgeous-Alexander as a superstar who performs on the biggest stage is a welcome development. The league is always in need of new rivalries and compelling narratives, and matching him with Curry creates a fascinating contrast in playing styles. Curry remains the gold standard for shooting, but SGA's all-around game and clutch performances suggest that he could dominate the next decade of basketball.

Beyond the Game 7 Milestone

Stephen Curry's career has been defined by his record-setting three-point shooting and his role in the Warriors' dynasty. He has won four championships, two MVP awards, and has been named to nine All-Star teams. His off-court work with charities and his influence on youth basketball are equally impressive. Curry has inspired a generation of players to embrace the three-point shot and to work on their handles and shooting from a young age.

Gilgeous-Alexander's career arc is still being written, but his trajectory is similar to that of Curry's early years. Both were not initially viewed as the top pick or the consensus future superstar. Curry was drafted seventh overall and faced questions about his size and durability; Gilgeous-Alexander was drafted 11th and was traded twice before finding a home. Both players used those doubts as motivation to improve and prove their doubters wrong.

The 2025-26 season has been a banner year for SGA. He earned his first All-NBA First Team selection and finished third in MVP voting, behind Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic. His leadership on and off the court has been praised by teammates and coaches. He has taken on a mentorship role for younger Thunder players, following the example set by veterans like Chris Paul during his brief stint in Oklahoma City.

As the NBA Finals approach, the basketball world will be watching to see if Gilgeous-Alexander can lead the Thunder to a championship. Even if he falls short, his place in history is already secure. He has joined a list of point guards that includes Stephen Curry, and that alone places him in elite company. The future is bright for the new star of the Western Conference.

The NBA is a league of iconic moments, and Gilgeous-Alexander's Game 7 performance will be replayed for years to come. It may also signal a changing of the guard, as the torch is passed from the era of Curry, LeBron, and Durant to a new generation led by SGA, Luka Doncic, and Anthony Edwards. The game continues to evolve, but the ability to rise to the occasion in the postseason is timeless.

For now, Oklahoma City celebrates its first Finals appearance since 2012, when Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook led the team. The city is buzzing with excitement, and Gilgeous-Alexander is the reason. His name is now etched alongside Stephen Curry in the NBA record books, a testament to his skill, determination, and ability to perform when it matters most.

Source: News.de News