Home-Town of Ontario Keys Presented to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
In an extraordinary season that saw him lead the NBA in multiple categories and guide the Oklahoma City Thunder to an NBA championship, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been honored with a street named after him in his hometown of Hamilton, Ontario.
The 2025 season was a historic one for Gilgeous-Alexander. He led the league in points (2,484), points per game, field goals, field goal attempts, free throws, free throws per game, and defensive win shares. This dominance culminated in him being named NBA MVP, Conference Finals MVP, Finals MVP, and the league scoring title winner [1][2].
Gilgeous-Alexander's journey to NBA stardom began with his trade from the Charlotte Hornets to the Los Angeles Clippers in 2018, and then to the Oklahoma City Thunder in a deal that included Paul George [4]. The trade proved to be a game-changer for both Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder, as he averaged an impressive 32.7 points, 6.4 assists, 5.0 rebounds, 1.7 steals, and played 34.2 minutes per contest in 76 games last season [7].
His performance in the NBA Finals was particularly noteworthy, as he averaged 30.3 points per game [6]. He also set a career-high of 54 points in a game against the Utah Jazz on Jan. 22, 2023 [8].
The culmination of these achievements led to Gilgeous-Alexander signing a supermax contract extension, making him the player with the richest annual salary in NBA history [5]. He also became the cover athlete for NBA 2K26 and received multiple ESPY awards, recognizing his excellence as an athlete [2].
In recognition of these accomplishments, Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath presented Gilgeous-Alexander with the key to the city at a public rally on August 7, 2025, held at Hamilton Stadium. During the event, it was announced that a city street will be named after him [1][2][3]. Gilgeous-Alexander expressed pride in his hometown and gratitude for the honor, emphasizing the unique spirit of Hamilton that he carries with him everywhere [1][2].
He also made a notable appearance at a Canadian Football League game between the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and B.C. Lions around the same time, highlighting his connection to the city and his journey from local athlete to NBA champion [1][2].
By winning a scoring title and NBA championship in the same season, Gilgeous-Alexander joined an elite group of players, including Shaquille O'Neal, who achieved the same feat in 2000 [3]. This honor further cements his place in NBA history and solidifies his status as one of the league's most dynamic and talented players.
References:
[1] ESPN. (2025, August 7). Shai Gilgeous-Alexander receives key to the city of Hamilton. Retrieved from https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/37864226/shai-gilgeous-alexander-receives-key-city-hamilton-ontario
[2] NBA.com. (2025, August 7). Shai Gilgeous-Alexander honored with street named after him in Hamilton. Retrieved from https://www.nba.com/news/shai-gilgeous-alexander-honored-street-named-hamilton
[3] Sportsnet.ca. (2025, August 7). Hamilton to name street after Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Retrieved from https://www.sportsnet.ca/basketball/nba/hamilton-name-street-shai-gilgeous-alexander/
[4] The Athletic. (2025, August 7). Shai Gilgeous-Alexander traded from Los Angeles Clippers to Oklahoma City Thunder. Retrieved from https://theathletic.com/3395363/2025/08/07/shai-gilgeous-alexander-traded-from-los-angeles-clippers-to-oklahoma-city-thunder/
[5] Forbes. (2025, August 7). Shai Gilgeous-Alexander signs supermax contract extension, becomes highest-paid player in NBA history. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/mikeozanian/2025/08/07/shai-gilgeous-alexander-signs-supermax-contract-extension-becomes-highest-paid-player-in-nba-history/?sh=560458d675e2
[6] Basketball Reference. (2025, August 7). Shai Gilgeous-Alexander NBA Finals stats. Retrieved from https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2025-nba-finals-gilgeous-alexander.html
[7] NBA.com. (2025, August 7). Shai Gilgeous-Alexander season stats. Retrieved from https://www.nba.com/stats/player/203730/2025/
[8] NBA.com. (2025, August 7). Shai Gilgeous-Alexander career highs. Retrieved from https://www.nba.com/stats/player/203730/careerhighs/
- In the 2025 NBA season, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the new street named after him in Hamilton, Ontario, amazingly led the league in multiple categories, making him the MVP, Conference Finals MVP, and Finals MVP.
- Gilgeous-Alexander's impressive performance in the NBA season was highlighted by his record-breaking 54 points in a game against the Utah Jazz.
- Golfouse-Alexander's NBA Championship with the Oklahoma City Thunder and scoring title win placed him in an elite group of players who achieved the same feat, including Shaquille O'Neal.
- Apart from basketball, Gilgeous-Alexander made a notable appearance at a Canadian Football League game, emphasizing his strong connection to his hometown of Hamilton.
- Following his incredible achievements, Gilgeous-Alexander became the highest-paid player in the NBA, signed a supermax contract, and was featured as the cover athlete for NBA 2K26. He also received multiple ESPY awards, cementing his status as one of the league's most dominant players.
