Shai Gilgeous-Alexander just had a wonderful season with his Oklahoma City Thunder.
But he is gaining even more attention during his current run in the FIBA Basketball World Cup.
To get things started, Gilgeous-Alexander scored 27 points and 13 rebounds as Canada sailed passed France in their first game.
He did it again in a game on Tuesday against Latvia, scoring 27 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists on 10-of-17 from the field.
As pointed out by Keerthika Uthayakumar, that puts Gilgeous-Alexander in a historic class.
He is now the fourth Canadian with multiple 25-point games at a single men’s World Cup.
He is the first since Jay Triano back in 1986.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the fourth Canadian with multiple 25-point games at a single men's World Cup & the first since Jay Triano in 1986.
Leo Rautins did it in 1978 & Carl Ridd in 1954.
— Keerthika Uthayakumar (@keerthikau) August 29, 2023
Gilgeous-Alexander’s strong showing in the World Cup comes just months after his best season yet with the Thunder.
He averaged 31.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 5.5 assists on 51% from the field during 2022-23.
When he announced that he would play for his home country of Canada, many analysts said that gave the team a much better shot of winning the World Cup.
So far, they have been off to a great start.
Along with Gilgeous-Alexander, Dillon Brooks, RJ Barrett, Lu Dort, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker are also helping Canada thrive.
But it’s clear that Gilgeous-Alexander is the team’s standout star and leader.
In the third quarter of their victory over Latvia, he posted 16 points.
He also grabbed two rebounds, an assist, and a steal on 7-of-9 shooting in that period alone.
The man is obviously on a mission.
What will next season look like for Gilgeous-Alexander?
Most people agree that the Thunder have a way to go before they’re in contention for the Finals.
But could Gilgeous-Alexander start 2023-24 as a world champion?
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