Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's 'free-throw merchant' tag is here to stay

Can Shai Gilgeous-Alexander repeat as MVP?

SGA dropped a career-high 55 points against the Pacers on Wednesday, proving why he's the odds-on favorite to repeat as NBA MVP. The performance came less than 48 hours after he posted 35 points versus the Rockets, kicking off OKC's NBA title defense with a bang. 

By amassing 90 points in his first two games, SGA joined Wilt Chamberlain, Anthony Davis and Michael Jordan in historic company, marking one of the most remarkable individual starts to an NBA season. Furthermore, he tied Russell Westbrook for the most 50-point games in Thunder history, surpassing Kevin Durant, with five.

After Thursday's 141-135 win, Gilgeous-Alexander explained the importance of starting a new season well. 

"I'm tired, but it's expected," said Gilgeous-Alexander, via ESPN's Jamal Collier. "It's a good way to break the ice on the season, shake the rust off, kind of bust the lungs up, get my cardio back ... Also understanding the beginning of the season is just as important as the end of the season."

In previous years, reigning NBA champions have been accused of starting slowly in a title defense and then picking up the intensity as the season progresses. That is clearly not the case with the Thunder, one of the youngest teams in the NBA, who seem as eager as ever to raise another banner. This attitude will likely help them maintain their focus through the 82-game gauntlet.