India, June 6 -- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander would've wanted to prove his mettle on his NBA Finals debut. And the Oklahoma star just did that. In Game 1 vs the Indiana Pacers on Thursday, the current league MVP delivered a performance that left fans and experts stunned, drawing striking comparisons to the late Kobe Bryant.

Despite the Thunder's heartbreaking loss to the Indiana Pacers, sealed by Tyrese Haliburton's last-second shot, SGA's 38-point, 3-assist, 5-rebound masterpiece showcased a cold-blooded style reminiscent of the Black Mamba.

Fans and analysts, including three-time NBA champion Danny Green, are buzzing about SGA's Mamba-like craft.

SGA set the tone early, dropping 19 points in the first half on 8/12 shooting, including 3/5 ...