Achieving the trifecta of winning the NBA scoring title, regular season MVP, and Finals MVP in the same season is one of the rarest and most prestigious accomplishments in basketball. It signifies not only individual dominance but also the ability to lead a team to the ultimate prize. Only four players in NBA history have done it—Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal, and most recently, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
**Kareem Abdul-Jabbar** was the first to accomplish this feat in the 1970–71 season. Then known as Lew Alcindor, he led the league in scoring with 31.7 points per game and was named the league MVP. He capped off the season by guiding the Milwaukee Bucks to their first NBA championship, earning Finals MVP honors. At just 23 years old, Kareem’s dominance on both ends of the floor was unmatched, and his skyhook became one of the most iconic shots in basketball history.
**Michael Jordan** took this achievement to another level. He didn’t just do it once—he did it four times: in 1991, 1992, 1996, and 1998. Each of those seasons, Jordan led the league in scoring, won the regular season MVP, and then delivered in the NBA Finals to claim Finals MVP. His ability to maintain peak performance throughout the grueling NBA calendar while leading the Chicago Bulls to six championships is a testament to his legendary work ethic, competitive fire, and basketball brilliance. Jordan’s 1995–96 season, in particular, stands out as the Bulls went 72–10, a record at the time, and he led them to their fourth title.
**Shaquille O’Neal** joined this elite club in the 1999–2000 season. That year, Shaq was an unstoppable force, averaging 29.7 points and 13.6 rebounds per game. He won the MVP in a near-unanimous vote and dominated the NBA Finals, averaging 38 points and 16.7 rebounds per game against the Indiana Pacers. His physical dominance and sheer presence in the paint made him virtually unguardable, and he led the Lakers to their first title since 1988.
**Shai Gilgeous-Alexander** became the fourth player to achieve this rare trifecta in the 2024–25 season. He led the league in scoring, was named regular season MVP, and then guided the Oklahoma City Thunder to their first NBA championship in the Oklahoma City era. In the Finals, he averaged over 30 points per game and delivered a clutch Game 7 performance with 29 points and 12 assists. His poise, creativity, and leadership throughout the season elevated him into the pantheon of all-time greats.
This elite group represents different eras and styles of play, but they all share one thing: the ability to dominate individually while lifting their teams to the highest level. It’s a rare blend of talent, consistency, and leadership that defines the very best in basketball history.
