Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Achieves Historic NBA Finals MVP Honors

In a remarkable display of skill and determination, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder has made history by capturing the NBA Finals MVP award, while also being crowned the league’s scoring champion in the 2024-2025 season. This extraordinary achievement places him among an elite group of basketball legends, as he becomes only the fourth player in NBA history to win both the MVP and Finals MVP awards, alongside a scoring title as well as a championship title in the same season. The Thunder clinched the NBA title on June 22, 2025, defeating the Indiana Pacers 103-91 in a thrilling Game 7 of the Finals.

Gilgeous-Alexander, 26, has not only elevated his game to unprecedented heights but also solidified his position as one of the most prominent figures in basketball today. As reported by the Associated Press on June 22, 2025, he expressed gratitude for his achievement, stating, "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."

Historically, Gilgeous-Alexander's accomplishment mirrors that of NBA greats like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan, and Shaquille O’Neal, who have all achieved this unique combination of accolades in their careers. His performance throughout the season was nothing short of phenomenal, having scored 3,172 points, the ninth-most in a single season in NBA history, and achieving an average of 30 points per game over the last three seasons.

The Thunder's successful campaign this season saw them win 84 games, tying for the third most wins in a single NBA season. Gilgeous-Alexander's scoring prowess was consistently on display, with 64 games in which he scored at least 30 points. His coach, Mark Daigneault, praised him as an "unbelievable scorer" and noted his growth as a playmaker. "He’s getting better every year in just about everything," Daigneault stated, reflecting on Gilgeous-Alexander's evolution as a player.

The impact of Gilgeous-Alexander extends beyond the basketball court; he has emerged as a role model for aspiring athletes, particularly in Canada, where he represents a new generation of basketball talent. His influence is amplified by his connection to past Canadian basketball icons, notably Steve Nash, who remarked on the positive effect Gilgeous-Alexander's achievements will have on young Canadians. Nash stated, "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."

Furthermore, the growth of Gilgeous-Alexander's popularity is mirrored in the sales of his jersey, which ranks among the highest in the NBA. His unique playing style, characterized by agility and finesse, has drawn admiration from both fans and opponents alike. Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton, who was sidelined due to injury during the Finals, noted Gilgeous-Alexander's exceptional skill in navigating defenses, calling him "so slippery in between those gaps."

Beyond his immediate triumph, Gilgeous-Alexander's career trajectory suggests a bright future. He has proven himself not just as a player but also as an influential figure in the sport. Reflecting on the legacy of basketball great Kobe Bryant, whom he regards as a personal hero, Gilgeous-Alexander expressed his desire to emulate Bryant's competitive spirit. "He is probably my favorite player of all time," Gilgeous-Alexander said. "I’m hopefully somewhere close to that as a basketball player one day."

With the Oklahoma City Thunder now positioned as a formidable force in the NBA, analysts speculate that this championship could mark the beginning of a dynasty. As the team continues to build around Gilgeous-Alexander, the implications of his success resonate far beyond the court, inspiring a new generation of basketball players and fans worldwide. As he remarked, "It means everything. We rose to the moment. And here we are."