Exhausted! 26 free throws + 14 free throws! Alexander ascends to the top of the history charts

In the season opener, the Thunder edged out the Rockets 125-124 in double overtime, with Alexander making 12 of 26 shots and 10 of 14 free throws, adding 35 points, 5 boards, and 5 assists;

In the following match, the Thunder beat the Pacers 141-135 in double overtime. Alexander shot 15 of 31 from the field and 23 of 26 from the line, racking up 55 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists.

After these two games, Alexander emerged as the first player this season to score over 50 points in a single game, combining for a total of 90 points.

Notably,Alexander attempted a combined total of 40 free throws in the first two games, the most in NBA history, with the second highest being 38 by Lanier and Chamberlain.

However, due to the excessive free throw attempts, Alexander has faced more ridicule than praise. The American media outlet BrickCenter joked: “I just turned on the TV and saw him at the free throw line.”

The reason the Thunder barely won these two games, forcing Alexander into full-throttle mode, was not only because of tough opponents but mainly because their second star, Gilgeous-Alexander, was sidelined due to wrist injury recovery. Last season, this guy averaged 21.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.6 steals in the regular season, and in the playoffs averaged 21.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.4 steals per game.

Back to the point, so far this season Alexander is averaging 46.5 minutes per game, putting up 45 points, 6.5 rebounds, 5 assists, 2.5 turnovers, 2 steals, and 1.5 blocks, with shooting percentages of 47.4%, 18.8%, and 82.5%. The Thunder stand at 2-0. Aside from slight weaknesses in offensive efficiency and assist-to-turnover ratio, everything else is near flawless. He is confidently marching toward his second MVP trophy.

This summer, Alexander reached a four-year, $285 million supermax contract extension with the Thunder, reportedly the largest average annual salary deal in NBA history, with the contract running through the 2030-31 season.

Alexander is only 27 years old; by 2031 he will be 35. Logically, he will still have chances to sign a major contract then, potentially placing his career earnings among the NBA’s all-time highest, which is arguably even more significant than MVP honors.

Undoubtedly, an 18th draft pick, number 11 overall, has already etched his name into NBA history!