Shai Gilgeous-Alexander usurps Russell Westbrook in huge Thunder franchise record

Mar 25, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) during the second quarter aagainst the Boston Celtics TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images

Records are meant to be broken in every franchise during the NBA Playoffs. This also means that certain stars will be pushed down in the franchise record books when a certain legend rises up. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander just did exactly that during the Oklahoma City Thunder's Game 2 win over the San Antonio Spurs. He usurped Russell Westbrook and now nears unseating Kevin Durant in a big franchise record, too.

Gilgeous-Alexander nears being atop Thunder franchise history in NBA Playoffs

With the Thunder's massive 122-113 Game 2 win over the Spurs, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has now notched his 27th 30-point game in the NBA Playoffs. He has now usurped Russell Westbrook for having the second-most in Thunder history, per ESPN Insights.

The only person above Gilgeous-Alexander now is Kevin Durant, but it might take a third title run to unseat him. See, the legend who wore No. 35 for the Thunder had 39 games where he scored 30 points. The two-time Most Valuable Player will need all of the Thunder's NBA Playoffs series from here on out to reach seven games if he truly aims to claim sole possession of this franchise record. Obviously, he also needs to score 30 points.

This 30-point NBA Playoffs record that Gilgeous-Alexander got over Westbrook was not easy to attain. He is currently facing a historically great Spurs defense anchored by Victor Wembanyama. Although Coach Mark Daigneault still helps him get in great spots despite tight blitzes by Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, Dylan Harper, Stephon Castle, and Julian Champagnie. This is why he managed to score 30 points while getting a 50% field goal percentage and going 100% from the free throw line despite not being able to knock down a single three-pointer.

Westbrook and Durant are clearly the two faces of the Thunder back in the 2010s. Now, it seems like Gilgeous-Alexander aims to be the sole bearer of that title as he tries to win a second Larry O'Brien trophy. He might wear No. 2, but there's a clear case for being the top dog in the franchise.

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