The final buzzer sounded, signaling not just the end of Game 7, but the culmination of a remarkable season for the Oklahoma City Thunder. Their 103-91 victory secured the franchise`s first NBA championship since relocating to OKC, a moment of collective triumph. Yet, amidst the confetti and jubilation, one figure stood undeniably taller: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, whose individual season was nothing short of historic.
Capping off a year where he claimed the scoring title, the MVP award, and now the NBA championship, SGA delivered a commanding 29 points and 12 assists in the decisive Game 7. At just 26 years old, he has etched his name into an exclusive club, becoming only the fifth player in NBA history to achieve a 20-point, 10-assist performance in a Finals Game 7. This truly was a coronation, not just for the team, but for a star who has rapidly ascended to the sport`s highest echelons.
The Unlikely Ascent: From Underestimated Talent to NBA Royalty
To fully grasp the magnitude of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander`s current standing, one must rewind to his formative years and early career. His path to NBA superstardom was, to put it mildly, unconventional. Ranked as the 30th-best recruit in his high school class, he found himself behind ten prospects who never even made it to the NBA. During his lone college season, he wasn`t even the highest-scoring freshman on his own team. Drafted 11th overall, a respectable pick, he was then traded twice within his first year in the league – first on draft night, and then again as the centerpiece of the Paul George trade package to Oklahoma City.
Such a trajectory would typically suggest a player destined for a solid, if unspectacular, NBA career. One might even imagine the pre-draft scouts, in their infinite wisdom, comparing him to competent role players like Shaun Livingston or Patrick McCaw. To consider that these were the “comps” for a future MVP, scoring champion, and Finals MVP, it offers a subtle, perhaps even humorous, testament to the unpredictable nature of player development. While other unlikely stars like Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo also defied expectations, SGA`s journey, marked by multiple trades and initial undervaluation, possesses a unique narrative arc. His being named only second-team All-Rookie, while a future “lottery bust” secured a first-team spot, now seems like a delightful historical footnote.
Seven years on, the narrative has flipped entirely. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is not just a surefire Hall of Famer, even if his career were to end today, but he`s already accumulating accolades that place him among the game`s elite. He boasts more first-team All-NBA selections than numerous guards on the NBA`s 75th Anniversary Team, a clear indicator of his immediate and profound impact on the league.
A Statistical Symphony: Masterclass in Modern Scoring and Efficiency
While Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a well-rounded force, leading the league in steals last season, his scoring ability remains his crown jewel. He has joined an exclusive fraternity of only 15 players in NBA history to average at least 30 points in three separate seasons. What truly distinguishes his scoring prowess is the rare blend of high volume and elite efficiency. His mastery of the midrange, coupled with his exquisite finishing around the rim and an almost-90% conversion rate from the free-throw line, makes him a uniquely potent offensive weapon.
In fact, SGA and Adrian Dantley are the only players in NBA history to record at least three seasons averaging 30 points per game with a true shooting percentage of 62% or better. While scoring efficiency has generally risen across the league, Gilgeous-Alexander has masterfully capitalized on this evolution, setting new benchmarks for high-volume, efficient scoring.
His dominance extends to the most critical modern offensive play types. Over the past three seasons, he ranks second in points per isolation and fourth in points per pick-and-roll among qualified players. Most notably, he is the undisputed “driving king,” leading the league in drives every season for the past half-decade, accumulating over 1,000 more total drives than his closest competitor, Luka Doncic. This relentless attack on the basket is a foundational element of his game, generating both scoring opportunities and free-throw attempts.
Historically, exceptionally high individual scoring totals don`t always translate directly to championship success. Michael Jordan, for instance, famously didn`t win a title during his three highest-scoring seasons. Yet, Gilgeous-Alexander has defied this trend. His 32.7 points per game in the 2024-25 regular season stand as the highest scoring average for any player in NBA history who went on to win a championship that same season, narrowly edging out Jordan`s 32.6 PPG in 1992-93. Furthermore, his usage rate of 34.8% also marginally surpasses Jordan`s highest as a champion, highlighting his immense offensive burden and efficiency.
A statistical comparison to Michael Jordan`s unparalleled run from 1991 to 1993, a period often considered the most successful three-season stretch by a guard, reveals startling similarities in offensive output. Over their respective three-season peaks, both players averaged an identical 31.4 points per game. Their league-adjusted efficiency figures were also precisely the same. While Jordan`s defensive prowess and three titles in that span set him apart, SGA`s offensive metrics stand eerily similar, a testament to his elite offensive craft.
Beyond the Numbers: The MVP`s Impact on a Young Dynasty
The Oklahoma City Thunder`s championship run is rightly celebrated for its astute roster construction, a masterclass in shrewd trades, undrafted gems, and clever contract extensions. The team`s depth, youth, and the rapid development of talents like Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren are undeniable assets. However, amidst this well-deserved praise, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander`s singular presence occasionally feels understated.
To illustrate his indispensable value, one might consider a hypothetical scenario: imagine the Thunder executing the same Paul George blockbuster trade, yet without SGA included in the return package. A team with Williams, Holmgren, and a treasure trove of draft picks would undoubtedly possess immense promise. But would such an iteration of the Thunder be anything more than a promising, albeit still developing, contender, perhaps akin to a Western Conference equivalent of the Orlando Magic? They certainly would not be NBA champions boasting the best regular-season point differential in league history.
The truth is simple: while depth and youthful potential are thrilling, ultimately, winning an NBA championship demands an MVP-caliber talent. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is precisely that. He is the preeminent reason the Thunder vaulted from a rebuilding franchise to hoisting the Larry O`Brien Trophy with astonishing speed. His ability to consistently deliver MVP-level performances, especially in clutch moments, is the engine that drives this team`s success.
The Road Ahead: Forging an Enduring Legacy
With a championship now secured, the question naturally shifts to what lies ahead for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder. The collective strength of their young and rapidly improving roster, alongside SGA`s peak performance years, positions them uniquely for sustained success. In an era where the NBA has seen a record seven different champions in as many years, the concept of a dynasty feels like a historical relic. Yet, the Thunder appear to be the best-positioned team since the mid-2010s Golden State Warriors to initiate just such an era of prolonged dominance.
For SGA to further solidify his place among the pantheon of NBA all-time greats, more championships will be essential. He has already achieved so much at a remarkably young age, but the true measure of legendary status often lies in consistency and multiple titles. The NBA has been spoiled recently with a continuous stream of all-time greats winning multiple MVPs and championships—think LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Nikola Jokic, and Giannis Antetokounmpo. While it is far too early to place Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on that specific historical pedestal just yet, the opportunity for sustained team success, combined with his undeniable talent and youth, means that pedestal is very much within his grasp. The journey from underestimated prospect to undisputed champion has concluded its first glorious chapter; the next, building an enduring legacy, is just beginning.
