The Oklahoma City Thunder concluded their 2024-25 season with a championship victory over the Indiana Pacers, following a hard-fought seven-game <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA Finals series. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was instrumental in this success, finishing the season with a historic performance that earned him MVP titles for the regular season, Western Conference Finals, and the NBA Finals.
Thunder’s Dominant Regular Season Sets Stage for Playoff Triumph
Oklahoma City finished the regular season with an impressive 68 wins, the highest total across the NBA last season. This record positioned them as the favorites heading into the playoffs.
Despite facing stiff competition from the Denver Nuggets in the second round and the Indiana Pacers in the Finals, the Thunder managed to prevail and secure the championship.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s Historic Achievements and Contract Extension
At age 26, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s remarkable run was rewarded with a lucrative four-year contract extension worth $285 million, signed at the start of the offseason. His exceptional performance culminated with him receiving the Michael Jordan Trophy as the most valuable player for the 2024-25 season.
NBA 2K26 Cover Athlete Announcement Honors Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
On Tuesday, NBA 2K revealed that Gilgeous-Alexander will be the cover athlete for the standard edition of NBA 2K26. This distinction marks the first time a Thunder player has graced the NBA 2K cover since Kevin Durant appeared on NBA 2K15.
Shai has been prominently featured in promotional efforts for previous editions of the game, but this marks his debut as the official cover star, celebrating his pivotal role in the Thunder’s championship win.
Looking Ahead: NBA 2K26 Release and Pre-Order Details
NBA 2K has not yet announced an official release date for NBA 2K26, but pre-orders will begin on Wednesday, July 9. Fans of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder can anticipate his continued representation as one of the league’s brightest stars.