OKLAHOMA CITY — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a legendary performance in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals, securing his place among the all-time greats and leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to their first-ever NBA championship.
With 29 points and a career-high 12 assists in the deciding game, Gilgeous-Alexander orchestrated a dominant 103-91 victory over his opponents and was named the unanimous NBA Finals MVP.
Shai’s Historic Achievements
Gilgeous-Alexander’s remarkable season is one for the history books. Not only did he lead the Thunder to their first title in the city, but his individual accomplishments are also historic.
He joined a rare group of players with 25+ points, 5+ rebounds, and 10+ assists in Game 7 of the Finals, a list that includes NBA legends such as Jerry West, Walt Frazier, James Worthy, and LeBron James.
In addition to his Finals MVP, Shai made history with several other milestones:
- He became the first player since LeBron James in 2012-13 to be named both the regular-season MVP and the Finals MVP in the same season.
- Gilgeous-Alexander is also the first player since Stephen Curry in 2014-15 to earn both the regular-season MVP and win an NBA championship in the same year.
- He became the first player to win the NBA scoring title and the NBA championship in the same season since Shaquille O’Neal in 2000.
- He joined an elite group of just four players to win both the NBA scoring title and the regular-season MVP and Finals MVP in the same season, joining names like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan, and Shaquille O’Neal.
Shai’s Reflection on His Achievements
After the game, Gilgeous-Alexander reflected on his incredible accomplishments, expressing how difficult it was to believe he had reached such heights. “Yeah, it’s hard to believe that I’m part of that group,” he said. “As a kid, you dream.
Every kid dreams. But you don’t ever really know if it’s going to come true. I’m just glad and happy that my dreams have been able to come true.”
Shai gave credit to those who supported him along the way, saying, “That’s a ‘thank you’ to everyone that’s been in my corner that helped me get there.”
Teammates Speak on Shai’s Leadership
Shai’s teammates were quick to praise his leadership and humble approach to the game. Chet Holmgren, one of Shai’s key teammates, marveled at his incredible season, saying, “That’s going to go down in history as one of the greatest seasons that’s ever been had by a player.”
Isaiah Hartenstein echoed these sentiments, praising Shai’s mindset and work ethic: “He gives us a lot of confidence. He’s always zero and zero. He doesn’t get too high or too low. He’s a great leader on and off the court, and the work he puts in is unmatched.”
Despite his impressive individual achievements, Shai is known for his team-first attitude and ego-less mindset, which has won the respect of his teammates and coaches alike. His unwavering focus on the team’s success, coupled with his immense talent, made this championship run even more special for the Thunder.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 2025 season will undoubtedly go down as one of the greatest in NBA history. From his MVP award to his Finals MVP, to leading the Thunder to their first-ever championship, Gilgeous-Alexander has solidified his place among the NBA elite.
With his leadership, poise, and undeniable talent, Shai has not only brought Oklahoma City its first title but has also set a new standard for greatness in the NBA.
