SGA is averaging 33/5/7/2 on 55/41/90 (68% TS) this season (33 MPG), and is on pace to break the record for single-season EPM.
Even after winning an MVP, it feels like SGA is seriously underrated. When I say underrated, I mean most people understand he’s a great player, but not quite the all-time levels he is playing at right now.
The single-season record record for EPM is +10.5 by 2015-16 Steph Curry at +10.5, SGA is currently at +11.0. For context, 2nd in single-season EPM was 2018-19 James Harden at +9.4. The sheer level SGA is playing at right now is simply unprecedented.
OKC definitely have a great team, but their record of 18-1 while missing Jalen Williams who was all-NBA last year for the entire season, has a lot to do with SGA hitting levels very few ever have in NBA history. SGA has a nearly +14 on/off differential per 100 possessions.
I mean the raw stats themselves are insane, 33/5/7/2 on 55/41/90 and a 68% TS would be unfathomable for any player let alone a guard that scores at a 83% unassisted rate.
He’s also leading the NBA in clutch points, despite having sat in 11 4th quarters of the 19 total games he’s played this season. He’s essentially stepping up exactly when OKC need him to to win games, and basically sitting if he’s not needed regardless of how that impacts his stats.
People often attribute OKC’s record as a big factor in SGA’s MVP case, but SGA honestly doesn’t even need the record to make his case. The numbers in themselves are off the charts, it’s just that when you add the team record to it as well, it makes his case undeniable.
Sources
Stats - https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/gilgesh01.html