The Oklahoma City Thunder’s meteoric rise from promising young squad to Western Conference powerhouse didn’t happen overnight — but it did happen with one name at the center of it all: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Fresh off being named the 2024-25 Kia NBA Most Valuable Player, Shai — or SGA, as fans know him — has led OKC to an astounding 68 regular-season wins, a franchise record that surpasses even the peak Kevin Durant-Russell Westbrook years. With the Western Conference Finals heating up, Game 2 against the Minnesota Timberwolves is set for 8:30pm ET on ESPN, and the Thunder have a golden opportunity to seize a 2-0 series lead on their home floor.
But how did they get here? The answer starts and ends with SGA’s two-way brilliance.
MVP Numbers, MVP Presence
Gilgeous-Alexander didn’t just put up big numbers this season — he transformed into a complete player. He averaged 31.4 points, 6.5 assists, 5.7 rebounds, and a career-best 2.2 steals per game, ranking among the league leaders in both scoring and defensive impact. He did it efficiently too, shooting over 54% from the field, a remarkable figure for a guard.
Yet the raw stats only scratch the surface of what he’s meant to the Thunder this season.
“He’s the engine. He’s the stabilizer. He’s our tone-setter,” said head coach Mark Daigneault. “Shai’s value isn’t just in buckets — it’s in his discipline, his effort, and his ability to lead through actions.”
Night after night, SGA delivered on both ends. Whether it was a game-winning floater in crunch time or a critical defensive stop against an opposing star, Gilgeous-Alexander consistently made the kind of plays that define elite players.
Defense: The Understated Superpower
One of the least talked-about aspects of Shai’s game has been his defensive evolution. He’s gone from a respectable on-ball defender to one of the most disruptive perimeter defenders in the league.
Using his 6’11” wingspan, fast hands, and precise timing, Shai routinely challenges top scorers, switches across positions, and leads fast breaks off steals. He finished the season ranked second in the league in steals per game, while anchoring a Thunder defense that finished top 5 in defensive rating.
“He’s always in the right place,” said teammate Jalen Williams. “And when he locks in defensively, it’s contagious. We all follow that lead.”
It’s this two-way commitment that helped Oklahoma City rack up 68 wins, including signature victories over contenders like Denver, Boston, Milwaukee, and Phoenix.
Culture, Chemistry, and Confidence
The Thunder’s rise hasn’t been just about talent — it’s been about culture. SGA’s presence has shaped the locker room into one of the most unified and focused environments in the league. With a roster that includes young talents like Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, and Josh Giddey, the team has leaned on Shai’s steady leadership.
“There’s never panic with Shai,” Holmgren said. “If we’re down, he brings us back. If we’re up, he tells us to stay locked in. That mindset’s been everything.”
It’s no coincidence that OKC’s franchise-best 68-14 record came during a season when the team had one of the youngest average ages in the NBA. Their belief? Rooted in a leader who believes in them just as much as he believes in himself.
Postseason Poise
Now in the thick of the 2025 NBA Playoffs, Shai has only raised his level. In the first round, he averaged 32.1 points and 6.8 assists, efficiently dismantling a seasoned Clippers team. In the second round, he took down the defending champion Nuggets, outdueling Jamal Murray and creating havoc for Nikola Jokić’s pick-and-roll schemes with his sharp defensive reads.
Game 1 against the Timberwolves was no different. SGA tallied 33 points, 7 assists, and 4 steals, leading OKC to a 115-104 win over a physical and gritty Minnesota squad. Anthony Edwards called him “the best guard in the league right now” after the game.
With Game 2 tonight, Shai has the chance to put a stranglehold on the series. Another win would give OKC a commanding 2-0 lead before the series shifts to Minnesota — and history favors teams who hold serve at home.
Bigger Than Basketball
SGA’s MVP year has also been a cultural moment for Canadian basketball. As the second Canadian to ever win the award, following Steve Nash, Gilgeous-Alexander has inspired a new generation of players across Canada.
“I grew up watching Steve. Now, kids are watching me,” Shai said in a recent interview. “That’s not something I take lightly.”
He’s already giving back — through camps, mentorship, and continued visibility. And his calm, humble demeanor has made him a fan favorite far beyond Oklahoma.
The Moment Is Now
With the MVP trophy in his hands and a Finals berth in his sights, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is embracing the moment — and rewriting what it means to lead a team in today’s NBA.
Tonight at 8:30pm ET on ESPN, he takes the court again, not just to protect home court, but to further prove that his impact goes beyond the box score. For the Thunder, for the league, and for himself, the message is clear:
68 wins were just the beginning.
