​OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – NOVEMBER 4: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder celebrates during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Paycom Center on November 4, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images) GettyWASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 31: Kevin Durant #7 of the Brooklyn Nets shoots in front of Russell Westbrook #4 of the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on January 31, 2021 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) GettyThe Oklahoma City Thunder have watched some of the greatest scorers in NBA history wear their uniform, but Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is quickly approaching territory once dominated by Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.Following consecutive 40-point performances against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Gilgeous-Alexander has moved within striking distance of two franchise legends. His remarkable scoring consistency has Oklahoma City witnessing another historic chapter, and the numbers suggest a changing of the guard could arrive sooner than expected.According to ESPN Insights, Durant recorded 46 games with at least 40 points during his Thunder career, while Westbrook finished with 43. Gilgeous-Alexander already has 36, placing him third in Oklahoma City history.Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Closing In on Kevin Durant, Russell WestbrookThe significance of those numbers becomes clearer when considering how recently Gilgeous-Alexander entered this conversation. Durant spent eight seasons in Oklahoma City, while Westbrook became the face of the franchise following his former teammate’s departure.GettyWASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 31: Kevin Durant #7 of the Brooklyn Nets shoots in front of Russell Westbrook #4 of the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on January 31, 2021 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
Gilgeous-Alexander now needs eight additional 40-point games to surpass Westbrook and 11 to move ahead of Durant. Considering his ability to generate offense without relying entirely on three-point shooting, neither milestone appears particularly distant.The Thunder superstar demonstrated that versatility twice against Cleveland this week. He scored 43 points in Monday’s 117-112 victory before delivering another 42 in Wednesday’s 124-116 win.Those performances were especially important because Oklahoma City has been navigating significant inj