NEWYou can now listen to Pakinomist articles!
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was a key player that Oklahoma City Thunder received when the organization traded Paul George to Los Angeles Clippers before the 2019-20 season.
Thunder was not very good at starting the new era with Gilgeous-Alexander at the forefront, but when the team saw Lu Dort, Jalen Williams and eventually Chet Holmgren play together and stays healthy together, it turned out to be a complete game election.
CLICK HERE for more sports cover at Foxnews.com
Oklahoma City Thunder Guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) shoots against Indiana Pacers Center Myles Turner (33) during the first half of Game 7 in NBA Finals Basketball Series on Sunday 22 June 2025 in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Kyle Phillips)
It culminated in Thunder’s Game 7 -win over Indiana Pacers on Sunday night. Gilgeous-Alexander, already MVP and the western conference final MVP, scored 29 points and released 12 assists in the 103-91 win.
With his coupling performance, Gilgeous-Alexander got Bill Russell MVP Trophy, who recognized him as NBA Finals MVP. He had 38 points in a loss 1 loss and followed it up in Game 2 when Oklahoma City needed to tie the series. He scored 31 points in Game 5 to push Indiana to the brim.
He lifted the trophy in front of a very happy crowd in Oklahoma City.
Oklahoma City Thunder Guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Left, shoots against Indiana Pacers-Guard Andrew Nembhard in the second half of Game 7 in NBA FINALS BASKETBALL SERIES SUNDAY 22. JUNE 2025 in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings)
Thunder Blow Out Pacers in Game 7 to win the NBA Championship
“This is not just a victory for me. This is a victory for my family. This is a victory for my friends. This is a victory for everyone who was in my corner that grew up. This is a victory for fans – the best fans in the world,” he told Espns Lisa Salters after receiving the final MVP.
The NBA final MVP sets a ceiling on a phenomenal season for Gilgeous-Alexander.
He led the NBA with 32.7 points per Fight on the way to win the first NBA MVP in his career. It was the third equal season he was an all-star.
Oklahoma City Thunder-Guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) moves the ball up to the court against Indiana Pacers during the second half of Game 6 in the NBA Finals Basketball Series, Thursday, June 19, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Oklahoma City ended with a 68-14 record-the best in NBA. It’s the first title since the team moved from Seattle to Oklahoma City. Supersonics won an NBA title in 1979.
