Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has already secured the highest personal accolade in the NBA for the current season and is now just four wins away from achieving the prestigious title of champion. The Oklahoma City Thunder point guard is leading his team to potentially claim its first championship since the franchise’s relocation, and their first title since the Seattle SuperSonics’ victory in the 1978-79 season.
As the top-seeded team, the Thunder are set to face off against the Eastern Conference champions, the Indiana Pacers, in the 2025 NBA Finals starting this Thursday in Oklahoma City. Gilgeous-Alexander was named the NBA MVP for the 2024-25 season, having led the league in scoring with an impressive average of 32.7 points per game, enhancing the Thunder’s record to 68-14—the best in the franchise’s history.
Despite the accolades, history shows that the last decade has seen a disconnect; no regular season MVP has clinched an NBA title since 2014. It places additional significance on Gilgeous-Alexander’s journey as he aims to join the elite club of players who have not only won the MVP title but also achieved championship glory in the same season.
Looking back at history, 14 players have previously combined these feats, including legends like Bill Russell, Michael Jordan, and more recently, Steph Curry, who accomplished this in the 2014-15 season. Beyond just winning the championship, 10 of those MVPs also achieved the NBA Finals MVP title, solidifying their legendary status.
Notably, Gilgeous-Alexander marks a historic moment in being the first guard since 2018 to win the MVP award, further emphasizing the significance of his performance this season. As the Finals approach, there is a growing excitement surrounding the Thunder’s prospects and the possibility of celebrating a championship return to Oklahoma City after decades.
This Championship run signifies a promising period for the franchise, reigniting hope among fans and stakeholders alike. The Thunder’s strong season, highlighted by Gilgeous-Alexander’s achievements, instills optimism as they prepare for the ultimate showdown against the Pacers.