The 2024-25 NBA season concluded with the Oklahoma City Thunder claiming their first championship, a monumental achievement largely attributed to the transcendent performance of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who secured both the regular season MVP and NBA Finals MVP awards. This remarkable campaign solidified his status as one of basketball’s truly elite talents, elevating him into a conversation previously reserved for legends.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s statistical output was nothing short of historic, joining an exclusive club of only six players to average at least 32 points on a remarkable 62% true shooting percentage. This offensive efficiency places him alongside future Hall-of-Famers like Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry, underscoring his scoring prowess and unparalleled effectiveness on the court.
Despite prior discussions about his postseason capabilities, Gilgeous-Alexander emphatically silenced all critics as the Thunder advanced deeper into the playoffs. His game consistently elevated with the increased stakes, demonstrating a clutch gene and an ability to perform under immense pressure that is characteristic of true champions.
A highlight of his playoff run included a dominant series performance against three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, where Gilgeous-Alexander emerged as the undeniable best player on the floor. This head-to-head triumph further underscored his emergence as a legitimate superstar capable of outperforming the league’s most decorated individuals when it mattered most.
For years, the debate surrounding the greatest player in Thunder franchise history centered on Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. However, Gilgeous-Alexander’s singular season, culminating in bringing the Larry O’Brien trophy to Oklahoma City, unequivocally cemented his position at the apex of the franchise’s pantheon, usurping both iconic figures.
Conventional wisdom has finally caught up to the extraordinary talent of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who, through a third consecutive season of perennial MVP-level performance, has compelled even the most skeptical observers to include him in the elite top-five player discussions across the NBA. His consistent brilliance has redefined expectations for what a modern guard can achieve.
The most compelling aspect of Gilgeous-Alexander’s ascent is that, at 27 years old, he is firmly in his athletic prime, suggesting his trajectory is still on a steep upward curve. This parallels the breakthrough moment for Stephen Curry in 2015, indicating that Gilgeous-Alexander is just beginning to unlock his full potential as a foundational force in the league.
Looking ahead, the potential for Gilgeous-Alexander to secure a repeat MVP award is a distinct possibility. Should the OKC Thunder maintain their top-seed status and he continues his prolific 30-plus point scoring, he is well-positioned to further climb the ranks of all-time greats, building upon a historic championship season and cementing a legacy of sustained excellence.
