“I feel like I’m a better player than [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luka Dončić],” Anthony Edwards told ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith in 2024, and he’s been backing it up in the 2025 playoffs. With Edwards leading the Timberwolves and SGA carrying the Thunder, the Western Conference Finals feel like a true generational shift. But while Ant made his case loud and clear, a Lakers legend recently jumped in—not to argue, but to elevate SGA even higher. His take? Let’s just say it hinted at a certain airborne royalty.
But before diving deeper into that, let’s take a quick look at the latest game. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was straight-up unstoppable, dropping 40 points with 10 boards and 9 assists, leading the Thunder to a tight 128-126 win over the Timberwolves in Game 4. Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren also stepped up big, keeping Minnesota at bay in a nail-biter. SGA nailed clutch free throws down the stretch, and after a wild final possession, the Thunder held on to take a 3-1 series lead heading back home for Game 5.
Metta World Peace didn’t hold back when praising Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He said, “I think SGA is at times better than Michael Jordan. At times, when you look at SGA’s games, he is the best basketball player that probably touched the front top and the bottom… Every move you ever dreamed of.” That’s huge praise considering Jordan’s legendary status, but Metta wasn’t done. He highlighted how SGA’s style is unique, playing with flair and freedom, pulling off moves that leave fans and defenders alike in awe.
Metta World Peace didn’t hold back when comparing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to the GOAT himself. “Michael Jordan’s done things that nobody has ever done, and it looks so elegant,” he said on the podcast Casuals with Katie Nolan. “But SGA—the way he plays the game, through the legs, behind the back, step back, crossover, spins—it’s exactly how he wants to play it.” And the crazy part? He’s not wrong. On Monday night, SGA dropped a career-high 40 points in a playoff thriller, leading the Thunder to a 128-126 win over the Timberwolves. He wasn’t just scoring either—he posted a playoff-best 10 assists, grabbed nine boards, and hit 12 of his 14 free throws. It was a full masterclass.
And this isn’t new territory for Shai. He’s already hit 38 points twice this postseason—once against Memphis and again earlier in the series with Minnesota. And just 5 days ago, with one of his 38, he hit another record of hitting 30+ in five consecutive games. Add in that 54-point explosion back in January against Utah, and you’ve got a guy who’s not just putting up numbers—he’s doing it consistently, under pressure, and with style. Which brings us back to Metta. With the Hall of Fame recently celebrating the NBA’s top 75, Metta threw out a bold thought on the podcast: SGA “has the opportunity to, I would say, be top 100… He has the opportunity to surpass so many people.”
Credit: Imagn
But honestly, that’s not even a hot take anymore. SGA was crowned the 2025 NBA MVP—only the second Canadian to ever win it, after Steve Nash. And it wasn’t even close. After finishing second to Jokic last season, Shai left no doubt this time. His 32.7 points per game led the league, comfortably ahead of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic, and he did it all while running the show for a young Thunder squad that’s now just one step away from the Finals. Flashy? Sure. But this isn’t just flair—it’s dominance.
So, when a soon-to-be ESPN commentator steps up to support SGA—even if it’s against his future network—it really shouldn’t come as a surprise.
Is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander the new face of the NBA?
The buzz about who’s taking over as the new face of the NBA is getting louder—and guess who’s right in the thick of it? Yep, Anthony Edwards. A few days back, Stephen A. Smith stirred the pot when he called Edwards “Jordanesque.” He was all in on Ant’s insane athleticism, his much-improved jumper, and that bold, fiery energy he brings to the court. He said, “Ant-Man is spectacular… if he wins the championship, he will officially be the face of the NBA,” putting him in the same stratosphere as LeBron and Steph. Edwards has been carrying the Timberwolves deep into the playoffs, but the pressure is real.
Meanwhile, Charles Barkley threw his own take into the ring and protested against the notion, telling ESPN, “Don’t try to make Anthony Edwards the face of the NBA. The face of the NBA is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Joker [Nikola Jokić], and Giannis [Antetokounmpo]. You can’t give it to people. They have to take it and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has taken it!” With Edwards’ ups and downs and SGA’s steady dominance, this showdown over who truly wears the crown is just getting started.
Then came Monday’s Game 4, and things got complicated. Edwards, who dropped 30 points in Game 3, managed only 16 this time, and many, including Stephen A., felt his quieter night cost Minnesota the game against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder. After the game, Edwards insisted, “I don’t think I struggled, I made the right play,” but Stephen A. wasn’t having it. Calling that response “inexcusable,” he said, “Sometimes you gotta be a little selfish. Sometimes you gotta display aggression that might turn people off until you turn them on because you’re a show-stopper.” Maybe SAS’s prediction came way too early.
Metta World Peace’s praise wasn’t just lip service—it was a full-on coronation of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as one of the game’s most unstoppable forces. And at this point, SGA isn’t just in the conversation—he’s setting the tone. Whether it’s Jordan comparisons or MVP trophies, Shai’s not chasing greatness. He’s living in it.
The post Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Called Better Than Michael Jordan Amid Charles Barkley’s Strong Protests Over “Face of the NBA” appeared first on EssentiallySports.
