Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 2025 NBA Finals MVP
In an impressive feat that echoes the legends of the NBA, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been named the Finals MVP for the 2025 season, culminating a spectacular journey for the Oklahoma City Thunder. They triumphed in the decisive Game 7 against the Indiana Pacers with a score of 103-91. This victory denotes a historic chapter in Gilgeous-Alexander’s career, as he becomes the first player since LeBron James in 2013 to secure both the Regular Season MVP and Finals MVP within the same season, making him the ninth player in league history to achieve this notable distinction.
Remarkable Finals Performance
Gilgeous-Alexander’s remarkable statistics during the Finals include an average of 30.3 points, 5.6 assists, and 4.6 rebounds per game. In the championship-clinching game held on Sunday night, he showcased his mettle by contributing 29 points and providing 12 assists, leading his team to glory. The ranks of other players who have accomplished this dual honor include illustrious names like Michael Jordan, Tim Duncan, and Hakeem Olajuwon, each of whom made their mark in NBA history before the Finals MVP award was established in 1969.
A Historic Context
The NBA MVP award was first introduced in 1956, while the Finals MVP award followed in 1969. This suggests that had the latter been in existence earlier, stars like Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain might have very well graced this exclusive list. Chamberlain took home MVP honors during the 1967 championship with the Philadelphia 76ers, while Russell’s Celtics claimed the title in four of the five seasons he was named MVP.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s Dominance
Gilgeous-Alexander’s landmark season unraveled as a dream come true for any basketball player aspiring for excellence. With a league-leading scoring average, he also garnered attention on the defensive end, earning a strong vote for Defensive Player of the Year, while leading a Thunder team that closed the regular season with an unmatched 68 wins. The Thunder’s point differential set a new NBA record, evidencing their dominance under his direction, even with significant teammates sidelined for lengthy spells.
Overcoming Competition
Despite the competitive landscape, where other candidates like Nikola Jokić also exhibited stellar performance, it was Gilgeous-Alexander’s unwavering leadership that guided the Thunder to their maiden title in Oklahoma City, overcoming a strong Denver Nuggets team in the playoffs.
Career Journey and Future Prospects
Gilgeous-Alexander’s rise can be traced back to his selection as the 11th pick by the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2018 Draft, which later led to his transfer to the Thunder in a notable trade involving Paul George. Since joining Oklahoma City, he has consistently led the team’s scoring and has played a pivotal role in their resurgence. Following a playoff exit last year against Luka Dončić‘s Mavericks, the franchise solidified its young roster with strategic veteran acquisitions, enabling the Thunder to emerge as championship contenders this season.
With his recent accolades, Gilgeous-Alexander has positioned himself for a lucrative future; he is now eligible for a staggering five-year, $380 million supermax contract extension in 2026. This contract, if finalized, would mark the largest in NBA history with an average annual value of $76 million, setting a new precedent in American sports.
