OKLAHOMA CITY – After the longest basketball season of his life, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished strong on Sunday night. The Oklahoma City MVP and top scorer led his team to its first NBA championship and won the Bill Russell Finals MVP award.
Though his shooting in Game 7 wasn’t very accurate—he made 8 of 27 shots, including 2 of 12 from three-point range—he still played very well. Gilgeous-Alexander scored 29 points, grabbed 5 rebounds, gave 12 assists, blocked 2 shots, and made 1 steal in 40 minutes. He often created chances for his teammates and made sure the Thunder stayed ahead after the early part of the second half.
Right after the game, surrounded by his teammates and ready for the trophy ceremony, Gilgeous-Alexander said, “So many hours, so many moments, so many emotions, so many nights of disbelief, so many nights of belief.”
His season went hand in hand with the Thunder’s success. The team had the best record in the league with 68 wins and 14 losses, then won 16 more games in the playoffs to claim the Larry O’Brien Trophy. Oklahoma City also became one of the few teams, along with the 1995-96 and 1996-97 Chicago Bulls, to win at least 84 games in total.
At 26 years old, Gilgeous-Alexander was the NBA’s leading scorer with 32.7 points per game. He made the All-NBA First Team for the second time and was named the 2024-25 Kia Most Valuable Player by a large margin over Denver’s Nikola Jokić.
During the playoffs, the 6-foot-6 scorer, known for his smooth moves and smart play, helped the Thunder win the first three rounds of the Western Conference. He earned the Western Conference Finals MVP and then finished the championship series by averaging 30.3 points over seven games.
Even though the trophies Shai Gilgeous-Alexander won are already very special — named after legends like Michael Jordan (MVP), Magic Johnson (Western Conference Finals MVP), and Bill Russell (Finals MVP) — he joined an even more exclusive group on Sunday night. Only three players in NBA history have won the MVP award, the scoring title, and the Finals MVP in the same season: Michael Jordan (four times), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in 1971, and Shaquille O’Neal in 2000.
“It’s hard to believe I’m part of that group,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “Sometimes, I can’t even imagine that I’m that kind of basketball player.
“As a kid, you dream about things like this. Every child dreams. But you never really know if those dreams will come true. I’m just very happy and thankful that my dreams have come true. I want to thank everyone who supported me and helped me get here.”
Besides his amazing basketball skills, Gilgeous-Alexander’s calm and steady attitude is just as important to the Thunder, said coach Mark Daigneault.
“He doesn’t change no matter what is happening,” Daigneault said over the weekend. “You can see him in any situation, and he stays the same. He has an amazing ability to stay focused, calm, and confident.
“His confidence spreads to the whole team. He has always been able to keep his confidence no matter what happens — during good times and bad times. He stays steady and grounded even when things are going well.”
FAQ
Who is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander?
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a professional basketball player in the NBA, known for his scoring, playmaking, and leadership.
What is the NBA Finals MVP Award?
The NBA Finals MVP Award is given to the best performing player in the NBA Finals series, recognizing outstanding contribution.
Which team does Shai Gilgeous-Alexander play for?
He plays for the Oklahoma City Thunder (as of the latest seasons), but check for any recent trades or team changes.
What did Shai achieve to win the Finals MVP in 2025?
Shai led his team with exceptional performances, scoring, assists, and defense, helping secure the NBA championship.
Is this Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s first Finals MVP?
Yes, 2025 marks his first NBA Finals MVP Award in his career.