In a season that will be remembered for years to come, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has etched his name into NBA history. The Oklahoma City Thunder superstar became just the sixth player ever to accomplish a remarkable trifecta: leading the league in points per game (PPG), winning the Kia NBA Most Valuable Player award, and reaching the NBA Finals—all in the same season.
The elite list he joins reads like a basketball hall of fame roll call: Stephen Curry, Allen Iverson, Shaquille O’Neal, Michael Jordan, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Now, SGA is right there with them, blazing his own trail and defining a new era of excellence in Oklahoma City.
A Season to Remember
Coming into the 2024–2025 season, there were questions about whether the Thunder could take the leap from promising young team to genuine contender. With a roster filled with rising stars, including Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, and Josh Giddey, many expected improvement—but few predicted dominance.
At the center of it all stood Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Fresh off an All-NBA First Team selection last season, SGA was poised for greatness, and he delivered night after night. Averaging a league-leading 32.9 points per game, he was a scoring machine—methodical, efficient, and nearly unstoppable. But his impact wasn’t just about scoring. His defense, playmaking, and leadership made him the heartbeat of one of the league’s most cohesive squads.
Game after game, SGA showed he was the most consistent star in the league. Whether it was a clutch mid-range jumper, a steal leading to a fast break, or a perfectly timed assist, he made winning plays look routine. His performance earned him the 2025 Kia NBA MVP, a well-deserved recognition for one of the most complete and unselfish seasons in recent memory.
Joining an Exclusive Club
Only five players in NBA history had previously won MVP, led the league in scoring, and reached the Finals in the same season:
- Stephen Curry (2015–16): The league’s only unanimous MVP, Curry revolutionized the game with his three-point shooting and led the Warriors to a 73-win season and a Finals appearance.
- Allen Iverson (2000–01): The Answer carried the Sixers on his back with relentless intensity, leading the league in scoring and dragging Philadelphia to the Finals.
- Shaquille O’Neal (1999–2000): A dominant force like few others, Shaq’s MVP campaign was a masterpiece of power, and he capped it with a Finals MVP as well.
- Michael Jordan (multiple seasons): MJ did it in 1991 and 1992, and again in 1996. Enough said.
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (1970–71): The skyhook legend made it happen in his second season, leading the Bucks to their first title.
Now, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a part of that legacy. What makes his achievement even more impressive is the context. Unlike the dynastic teams some of those legends played on, Shai has helped turn a rebuilding Thunder team into a juggernaut, leading a group of young players into uncharted territory.
Building the Future in OKC
Oklahoma City’s rise has been one of the most inspiring stories in the NBA. After the departure of stars like Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and Paul George, many assumed OKC would languish in mediocrity. But under the patient vision of GM Sam Presti, the Thunder rebuilt through the draft and smart trades.
Shai was at the center of that rebuild, acquired in the Paul George trade from the Clippers in 2019. Since then, he’s grown into not only a franchise player, but a leader in every sense. He’s shown that a team-first mentality, relentless work ethic, and poise beyond his years can carry a team to the biggest stage.
His growth mirrored the team’s evolution. With Holmgren protecting the rim, Williams adding scoring punch, and a deep bench supporting them, the Thunder emerged as one of the most balanced teams in the league. But none of it works without SGA.
The Finals Await
Now, with the NBA Finals tipping off on Thursday, June 5th at 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC, all eyes are on Oklahoma City. It’s their first Finals appearance since 2012, when a young KD, Westbrook, and Harden led the Thunder to the championship stage. That team didn’t win it all—but this team, guided by Shai, believes it can.
They’ll face a battle-tested opponent—either from the East’s powerhouse teams or a Cinderella squad that’s made its own magical run. But no matter who lines up across from them, one thing is clear: the Thunder are ready.
And Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, already in legendary company, is not done writing his story.
