Thunder's Gilgeous-Alexander eager to conclude MVP campaign with NBA championship
Craving the Championship:
Before playing his first game of the NBA Finals on Friday, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the season's MVP, made it clear: he doesn't play the game for personal accolades—only for victories. His whole career, from youth leagues in Canada to college ball in the US, and now in the NBA with the Oklahoma City Thunder, has been all about winning championships.
At 26 years old, his dream is no longer a distant fantasy—it's an NBA championship.
Gilgeous-Alexander captivated audiences this season, outperforming star Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets to clinch MVP honors, averaging a staggering 32.7 points, 6.4 assists, 5.0 rebounds, 1.7 steals, and 1.0 blocked shots per game[1][2]. Under his leadership, the Thunder boasted an impressive 68 regular-season wins, leading the league in victories.
This impressive season didn't limit him to mere statistics. Gilgeous-Alexander made history, becoming the first player since James Harden in 2018-19 to lead the league in games with at least 20 points (75), 30 points (49), 40 points (13), and 50 points (four)[1].
However, victories aren't just a season-long mission for Gilgeous-Alexander; he aims to claim the championship crown. If successful, Gilgeous-Alexander would join the exclusive group of players who have achieved both the scoring title and the NBA championship in the same season since the dominant Shaquille O'Neal in 2000[3][4].
After the Thunder defeated Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves in the conference finals—following a grueling seven-game battle against Jokic and the Nuggets in the semi-finals—Gilgeous-Alexander admitted he felt anxious in the lead-up to game seven. But he's as cool as ever as the Finals approach, seizing the opportunity to fine-tune his ability to navigate emotions and control situations[5].
As the Thunder take on their Finals opponents, Gilgeous-Alexander remains steadfastly focused on game one and personal development, ensuring he and his teammates perform at their best on the grandest stage[6]. In his quest for the championship, he prioritizes the present, finding comfort in his support system and living in the moment[5].
Between the odds against him and the history at stake, Gilgeous-Alexander exudes confidence and determination. With his MVP form and unwavering drive for victory, the Thunder could well be the ones to add a dazzling chapter to the NBA's storied history.
© 2025 AFP
Gilgeous-Alexander's basketball journey, from Canada to the US and now in the NBA, has always been about striving for championship victories, not personal accolades. If the Oklahoma City Thunder win the NBA championship, Gilgeous-Alexander would join the select few who have achieved both the scoring title and the NBA championship in the same season since Shaquille O'Neal in 2000.
