“18 free throws”, “Guy’s a stud” - NBA fans dish out mixed responses to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s maiden 50-burger

OKC Thunder superstar point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander lit up the Utah Jazz for a career-high 54 points during Wednesday's 123-114 home victory. While many were impressed by the MVP frontrunner's standout performance, others nitpicked his scoring methods and the quality of his opponent.

Gilgeous-Alexander shot 17-for-35 (48.6%) en route to his 54-point outburst, recording 31 points in the second half as OKC held on for a nine-point win. He added eight rebounds, five assists, three steals and two blocks, delivering another well-rounded stat line.

The contest marked the two-time All-Star's first 50-point outing, surpassing his previous career high (45 points) by nine points.

Meanwhile, the Thunder's victory tied them with the Cleveland Cavaliers for the NBA's top record (36-7). They have maintained their winning ways without their top two big men, Chet Holmgren (hip) and Isaiah Hartenstein (calf).

Following the game, fans on X/Twitter praised Gilgeous-Alexander, with many proclaiming him the MVP.

"SHAI is the MAN!" @EmporiumPixel said.

"Surely won't be the last. Guy's a stud," @RicknSugarLand wrote.

"The real MVP. FIELD GOAL MERCHANT," @OKC_Uruguay said.

"He's reaching new levels every night," @MildlyRelatabl wrote.

However, others still took the opportunity to criticize the superstar, pointing to his 18 free-throw attempts and Utah's Western Conference-worst 10-32 record.

"18 free throws, not moved. Jazz, not moved," @SalleyBMitchell said.

"18 free throws. Still a free-throw merchant. Not the MVP," @bladeoffire1 wrote.

"Stat padding to get his first 50 is embarrassing," @rayzortime2 said.

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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander unmoved by career-high 54-point explosion against Jazz

While Wednesday's 54-point showing against Utah marked Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's personal best, he appeared indifferent toward it.

During his postgame interview, the seventh-year player noted that it wasn't even his best game this season, let alone his career.

"I feel like I wasn't my best tonight, regardless of what the scoreboard says," Gilgeous-Alexander said. "... I feel like I've had better games this season, even though it didn't look like it on the scoresheet. That's just me chasing growth, as opposed to an outcome."

Gilgeous-Alexander has crossed the 40-point mark on five other occasions this season, including two 45-point efforts. However, it's unclear which of his performances he favors the most.

Through 42 outings, he is averaging a league-leading 32.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 2.1 steals, 1.1 blocks and 2.0 3-pointers per game, shooting 53.0%.

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