The Oklahoma City Thunder have capped off a jaw-dropping 68-14 regular season, securing their first NBA Finals appearance since 2012, when Kevin Durant was at the helm. Their dominant run culminated in a commanding 30-point blowout against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference Finals, with a final score of 124-94. Leading the charge was none other than the NBA’s Most Valuable Player, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who delivered a stellar performance of 34 points, 7 rebounds, and 8 assists on an impressive 56/50/100 shooting split.
Players to win MVP and reach the NBA Finals, last 20 years:
— Kobe Bryant
— LeBron James (2x)
— Stephen Curry (2x)And now, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. pic.twitter.com/40x1pMkawf
— WarriorsMuse (@WarriorsMuse) May 29, 2025
By guiding his team to the Finals in the same year he claimed the MVP award, Shai has etched his name alongside basketball titans Stephen Curry, LeBron James, and Kobe Bryant—the only players in the last 20 years to achieve this rare feat. This milestone cements his status as a bona fide superstar and a leading contender for the face of the NBA, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with some of the sport’s most iconic figures.
Shai’s brilliance has been the cornerstone of the Thunder’s success, especially during a challenging regular season when his second-in-command, Chet Holmgren, was sidelined for nearly two months due to injury. Undeterred, Shai carried the team on his back, leading them to the league’s best record and securing home-court advantage throughout the playoffs, including the Finals. His ability to perform under pressure has been nothing short of extraordinary, showcasing why he’s a cut above the rest.
ANOTHER MVP FOR SGA 🏆
Shai dominated in the Western Conference finals to capture his first Magic Johnson Trophy! pic.twitter.com/P9JBBPZOaZ
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) May 29, 2025
As the Thunder prepare to face the winner of the New York Knicks vs. Indiana Pacers series, all eyes are on Shai to continue his MVP-caliber performances. With the NBA Finals tipping off next Thursday, Gilgeous-Alexander has the opportunity to further solidify his legacy and potentially lead Oklahoma City to their first championship since the franchise’s relocation.