Shai Gilgeous-Alexander needed to persevere by means of darkish occasions earlier than changing into the star participant he’s for the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder.
Gilgeous-Alexander joined the Thunder within the second season of his NBA profession, following a commerce that noticed him and a number of gamers go from the Los Angeles Clippers to Oklahoma Metropolis in alternate for Paul George. This had him adapt to a distinct scenario, igniting the hearth that allowed him to grow to be among the best gamers within the league.
The star guard helped the Thunder attain the 2025 NBA Finals after successful 124-94 in opposition to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Recreation 5 of the Western Convention Finals, taking the sequence 4-1. He additionally received the West Finals MVP, as he acquired to mirror on his accomplishments with the staff since he turned a member in 2019.
“I simply need to shout out these followers. They have been right here because the couple years I acquired right here. There’s some actually darkish occasions on this area, not enjoyable occasions, and these followers have been by our aspect, by means of thick and skinny, so we admire them, at first. After which, in fact, I need to thank my teammates. With out them, I am nothing. Clear as day. I haven’t got 124 factors on my own,” Gilgeous-Alexander stated.
What’s subsequent for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Timberwolves
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was greater than deserving of the West Finals MVP Award, dominating the Timberwolves all through Recreation 5 and the sequence.
In 34 minutes of motion, Gilgeous-Alexander completed with a stat line of 34 factors, eight assists, seven rebounds, and two steals. He shot 14-of-25 from the sector, together with 2-of-4 from past the arc, and 4-of-4 from the free-throw line. By the sequence’ finish, he produced 31.4 factors, 8.2 assists, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per recreation.
Oklahoma Metropolis returns to the NBA Finals for the primary time since 2012, their fifth general. They now have the chance to win their first title because the franchise relocated from Seattle in 2008. As each the regular-season MVP and West Finals MVP, Gilgeous-Alexander might be prepared for the problem.
The Thunder will put together for Recreation 1 of the NBA Finals, the place they are going to meet the East Finals winner between the New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers. The competition will happen on June 5 at 8:30 p.m. ET.