Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is on the verge of capping off one of the most remarkable seasons by a guard in NBA history. Having already secured the 2024-25 NBA MVP award, Gilgeous-Alexander now leads his team into the NBA Finals against the Indiana Pacers, with a chance to deliver Oklahoma City its first championship since the franchise relocated.
Win first #KiaMVP ✅
Make first NBA Finals ✅Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the 8th player in NBA history to achieve both for the first time in the same season!
The #NBAFinals presented by @YouTubeTV between the Thunder and Pacers begin Thursday, June 5 with Game 1 at 8:30pm/et on… pic.twitter.com/N7KLIhg7KP
— NBA (@NBA) June 1, 2025
Last season, the Thunder made history as the youngest number one seed in the NBA, boasting an average team age of just 23.9. Despite falling in the second round of the playoffs, their focus and determination have reached new heights this year, with Gilgeous-Alexander at the heart of their success. His leadership and historic performance have propelled the Thunder to new heights, placing his name alongside some of the NBA’s most iconic figures.
By winning the NBA MVP award and reaching the NBA Finals in the same season, Gilgeous-Alexander has joined an elite group of just eight players in NBA history to achieve this feat. This prestigious list includes Golden State Warriors legend Steph Curry, Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers icon Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and other Hall of Fame greats. This milestone underscores Gilgeous-Alexander’s meteoric rise from a promising rookie to a bonafide superstar.
This is officially the greatest season by a Canadian basketball player…ever.
I’m a Steve Nash guy…but Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on the verge of something magical!
*1st in NBA in PPG
*2nd in steals
*1st in plus/minus
*1st in 30-point games
*1st in 40-point games
*1st in… pic.twitter.com/lE4UKjb34z— Tim Micallef (@tim_micallef) May 29, 2025
Few could have predicted this level of dominance when Gilgeous-Alexander entered the league with the Los Angeles Clippers. His potential was evident, but his transformation into an MVP-caliber guard has been nothing short of extraordinary. The Clippers’ decision to trade him in the deal for Paul George continues to loom large, as the Thunder capitalized on the trade to build a roster now poised for sustained success.
Should Gilgeous-Alexander lead the Thunder to an NBA title, he will cement his place among the game’s all-time greats, joining an even more exclusive club. With their youth, talent, and hunger, the Thunder appear to be just beginning their reign atop the NBA, and Gilgeous-Alexander’s historic season is setting the stage for a potential dynasty.