Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has capped off a remarkable year by being named the cover athlete for the NBA 2K26 Standard Edition, announced Tuesday. After leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to their first NBA championship and earning the league’s Most Valuable Player award, Gilgeous-Alexander has solidified his place among the NBA’s elite, combining historic individual performance with team success.
Historic Individual and Team Achievements Highlight Gilgeous-Alexander’s Season
Gilgeous-Alexander’s selection as the NBA 2K26 cover star marks the second consecutive year that a rookie NBA champion has appeared on the game’s front, following Boston Celtics’ Jayson Tatum and Las Vegas Aces’ A’ja Wilson on NBA 2K25. This choice reflects the series’ aim to capture the NBA’s current defining moments, with SGA’s remarkable season making him the standout candidate.
During the regular season, Gilgeous-Alexander averaged an impressive 32.7 points, 6.4 assists, 5.0 rebounds, 1.7 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game, shooting efficiently at 51.9 percent from the field and 37.5 percent from beyond the arc. His dominant play earned him his first All-NBA MVP award and the league’s scoring title.
Dominance in Playoffs Propelled Thunder to Championship Victory
Gilgeous-Alexander’s excellence extended into the postseason, where he led an unstoppable campaign culminating in the Oklahoma City Thunder capturing the Larry O’Brien Trophy. His clutch performances in critical playoff moments defined the team’s run, especially in Game 7 matchups against the Denver Nuggets and Indiana Pacers.
In a decisive second-round Game 7 vs. Denver, Gilgeous-Alexander scored 35 points, carrying the Thunder when their championship hopes were precariously balanced. Later, in the NBA Finals’ Game 7 against the Pacers, he recorded a 29-point, 12-assist, five-rebound, two-block, and one-steal double-double—highlighting his all-around impact on the court.
Though Indiana’s struggles were worsened by key injuries such as Tyrese Haliburton’s absence, Gilgeous-Alexander’s ability to draw fouls and facilitate his teammates under pressure played a vital role in the Thunder’s victory.
Legacy Cemented Both on Court and in Video Game History
Gilgeous-Alexander’s contributions have left a lasting imprint on Oklahoma City’s basketball landscape, delivering a championship season to fans to remember for generations. His elevation to NBA 2K26’s cover immortalizes this legendary season within the popular culture of basketball gaming, presenting him as the definitive face of the league’s bright present and future.