Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was still struggling to comprehend the magnitude of his achievements after capping a brilliant individual season by helping the Oklahoma City Thunder to the NBA title.
Gilgeous-Alexander poured in 29 points and added 12 assists as the Thunder beat the Indiana Pacers 103-91 in Game 7 of the Finals to claim the crown.
It was fitting the 26-year-old played a key part in the win after being the team’s driving force throughout the year. It ended with him lifting the Bill Russell trophy for the Finals MVP to add to the regular season MVP already in the cabinet. He was also the scoring champion for the season.
2️⃣ iconic. pic.twitter.com/zu8HJaznCZ
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) June 23, 2025
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Gilgeous-Alexander joins illustrious company
The only other players to have achieved the triple crown of scoring champion, MVP and NBA champion in the same season are Michael Jordan (four times), Shaquille O’Neal and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
“It’s hard to believe that I’m part of that group,” Gilgeous-Alexander told ESPN. “It’s hard to even fathom that I’m that type of basketball player sometimes.
“As a kid, you dream. Every kid dreams. But you don’t ever really know if it’s going to come true. I’m just glad and happy that my dreams have been able to come true.
“This isn’t just a win for me. This is a win for my family. This is a win for my friends. This is a win for everyone who was in my corner growing up. This is a win for the fans.”
THIS MOMENT >>> pic.twitter.com/FphCSszFm4
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) June 23, 2025
Haliburton injury caps disappointing finale for the Pacers
The Thunder surged to victory in a dominating third quarter they won 34-20, shortly after the Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton suffered a serious Achilles injury.
“It doesn’t feel real,” Gilgeous-Alexander added. “So many hours. So many moments. So many emotions. So many nights of disbelief. So many nights of belief. It’s crazy to know that we’re all here, but this group worked for it. This group put in the hours, and we deserve this.”
Pacers coach Rick Carlisle paid tribute to the Thunder, but also his own side after their unlikely run to the Finals.
He said: “This was a great series. I’m so proud of our players, I’m so proud of our organization. Our fans showed up big time tonight. It was really moving.”
