Oklahoma City witnessed a momentous evening as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder to a thrilling NBA championship on Sunday, securing the Finals MVP award in a decisive Game 7 win over the Indiana Pacers, 103-91. This victory marks a landmark achievement for Gilgeous-Alexander, whose NBA Finals MVP achievement cements his place among basketball’s elite.
At just 26 years old, the Canadian star joined an exceptionally rare group by capturing the regular season MVP, scoring title, NBA championship, and Finals MVP all in a single season—an honor previously held by legends Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan, and Shaquille O’Neal.
A Season Defined by Outstanding Performance and Historic Milestones
The Thunder finished the season with a staggering 84 wins, tying for the third-most victories in NBA history, propelled by Gilgeous-Alexander’s remarkable consistency. He recorded 64 games with at least 30 points, a feat only achieved by greats such as Wilt Chamberlain, Rick Barry, and James Harden over the decades.
Despite this extraordinary company, Gilgeous-Alexander’s focus remains on the collective achievement rather than personal accolades. Reflecting on his historic run, he said,
“A lot of hard work, a lot of hours in the gym,”
and added,
“This isn’t just a win for me. This is a win for my family. This is a win for my friends. This is a win for everybody that was in my corner growing up. This is a win for the fans, the best fans in the world.”
His performance throughout the season has been instrumental in the Thunder’s dominance, balancing high scoring with efficient playmaking—a combination praised by coach Mark Daigneault who highlighted Gilgeous-Alexander’s improved vision and scoring efficiency:
“He’s getting better every year in just about everything,”
Daigneault noted.
“I think he’s really improved as a playmaker. … And then he’s an unbelievable scorer, and incredibly efficient. We lean into that. He leans into that.”
The coach emphasized how Gilgeous-Alexander adapts when defenses intensify pressure by moving the ball quickly, helping define the Thunder’s offensive strategy throughout the season.
Rising Star and Respected Competitor on the Global Stage
Gilgeous-Alexander’s journey to superstardom has been steady and undeniable. Alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo, he is one of two players averaging at least 30 points per game over the last three seasons. His international success includes leading Canada to a bronze medal at the 2023 World Cup, stunning the United States in the process.
He has been a consistent All-Star and first-team All-NBA selection for three years running and played in his first Olympics last year, further solidifying his global reputation. This season, he scored a combined total of 3,172 points in regular and postseason play, ranking ninth all-time in NBA history.
Despite these impressive numbers, Gilgeous-Alexander maintains a team-first mindset, stating,
“Focusing on just being the best version of myself for this basketball team, for whatever it takes, for however many games it is, however many possessions is needed, however many moments,”
and adding,
“Ultimately, I’m just trying to stay in the moment. I think that’s what’s gotten me here. That’s what has helped me achieve the MVP award, achieve all the things I’ve achieved. It’s helped this team win basketball games.”
Admiration from Opponents and Peers Highlights Versatility
Opponents have taken note of Gilgeous-Alexander’s unique style, praising his ability to control the pace and create scoring chances in ways few can counter. Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton, who sustained a serious injury in Game 7, described facing Gilgeous-Alexander as a tough challenge:
“He’s so slippery in between those gaps. He splits screens, like, I don’t know how he’s doing that. … He’s a really tough cover.”
Unlike some NBA stars who dazzle with explosive athleticism or long-range shooting, Gilgeous-Alexander’s game is defined by precision, adaptability, and smart decision-making, making him an especially difficult opponent to guard.
A Canadian Icon Stepping Into the Spotlight
This championship run elevates Gilgeous-Alexander as the new face of basketball in Oklahoma City and a growing global icon. His jersey has become one of the highest-selling in the league, and Canadians are rallying behind him as their nation’s basketball beacon, a mantle once carried by Steve Nash, the first Canadian NBA MVP.
Nash expressed enthusiasm about Gilgeous-Alexander’s influence beyond the court:
“You can only imagine and get excited about all the kids around the world, but in particular Canadians that will be affected so positively, whether they’re basketball players or not, by the way he carries himself, by the way he executes and commits to his profession,”
adding,
“It’s remarkable and he’s an amazing example for everybody out there, not just kids.”
Channeling Legendary Influence from Kobe Bryant
Gilgeous-Alexander’s style and attitude show echoes of Kobe Bryant, another basketball great who inspired him profoundly. He admired Bryant not only for his skills but also for his competitive mindset. Gilgeous-Alexander reflected on Bryant’s impact, saying:
“He is probably my favorite player of all time,”
and recalled,
“Never got the chance to meet him. With me, with kids all across the world, his influence has gone through the roof. He’ll be remembered forever because of the competitor and the basketball player he was. Yeah, I’m hopefully somewhere close to that as a basketball player one day.”
Gilgeous-Alexander acknowledges that his career is still progressing, but Sunday’s victory brings him ever closer to reaching those hallowed heights.
Legacy of Hard Work and Momentous Triumph
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s climb to the peak of the basketball world is marked by relentless dedication and a focus on the present moment. Describing the championship experience, he said,
“It means everything,”
before adding,
“We rose to the moment. And here we are.”
The Thunder’s first NBA title and Gilgeous-Alexander’s historic Finals MVP achievement not only rewrite the franchise’s history books but also inspire fans and young athletes worldwide. As the 26-year-old Canadian continues to grow as a leader and superstar, his impact will likely shape the future of basketball both in Oklahoma City and across the globe.