'I could've had a lot more' – Gilgeous-Alexander aims higher after career-best 54-point haul

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander aimed higher after scoring a career-best 54 points in the Oklahoma City Thunder's win over the Utah Jazz, saying he "could've had a lot more".

The NBA MVP candidate was 17-of-35 from the field and made 17 of his 18 free throws in a 123-114 win on Wednesday, also adding eight rebounds and five assists.

He became the first Thunder player to post a half-century of points since Russell Westbrook had 50 against the Denver Nuggets in 2017.

However, the two-time All-Star does not believe Wednesday's performance was his best of the season, saying: "It's always fun, I guess, to get career-highs.

"It's always fun to knock things off your list, and to have the support of the city behind you is special, for sure.

"I felt like I could've had a lot more, and I know that's going to sound very spoilt.

"I feel like I didn't really have that great of a night, left a few on the table, but there's room to improve and that's a good thing.

"I wasn't my best tonight, regardless of what the scoreboard says. I feel like I've had better games this season."

Tonight Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 54 points. He also led OKC in:offensive rebounds (3)defensive rebounds (5)assists (5)blocks (2)three-pointers made (3)No other player in NBA history has led or co-led his team in all of those categories in a 50-point game. pic.twitter.com/RoypIZF8wG
— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) January 23, 2025

Gilgeous-Alexander has averaged a league-high 32 points per game in 2024-25, surpassing the exploits of fellow MVP contenders Giannis Antetokounmpo (31.5), Nikola Jokic (30.1) and Jayson Tatum (27.4).

He is now viewed by many as the hot favourite to land the NBA's top individual prize, and chants of 'MVP' rang around Paycom Center throughout Wednesday's game.

Asked about those chants after the game, Gilgeous-Alexander said: "They feel good every time I get them. I don't take them for granted."

The Thunder are now up to 36-7, the league's joint-best record alongside the Cleveland Cavaliers and 7.5 games better than that of the Memphis Grizzlies, their closest rivals in the Western Conference.

They have won six of their last seven games, the exception being a 106-98 road loss to the Dallas Mavericks, who they host in their next game on Thursday.