In the upcoming Game 7 of the championship finals, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is set to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to victory with an almost flawless performance, clinching the championship title and earning the finals MVP award. This player embodies the calm and stability that defines this young team’s style, showcasing his leadership skills on the biggest stage and paving the way for his own era.
After the Oklahoma City Thunder lost 108-91 to the Indiana Pacers in Game 6 of the championship series, Gilgeous-Alexander expressed his disappointment over his poor performance. In that match, he managed to score only 21 points and provide 2 assists, failing to make a positive impact on the team in a high-pressure situation, leaving the series tied at three games each.
After Game Six, Gilgeous-Alexander calmly analyzed the team’s turnover issues, noting that he personally had 8 turnovers. He emphasized the need to protect the ball in Game Seven. He stressed the importance of showcasing your best self in crucial matches, highlighting the necessity of having a pragmatic approach to victory and clear goals.
Throughout the season, this young guard has wowed audiences with his seasoned game rhythm, averaging 32.7 points and 6.4 assists per game. Not only did this make him the league’s leading scorer, but he also took charge during the crucial moments of the fourth quarter in every game. Regarding his playing style, Thunder coach Mark Daigneault commented that Gilgeous-Alexander always knows how to find the right tempo on the court and can take control of the game without flinching under pressure.
Under pressure, his calm demeanor and proactive attitude made him the first player in Canada to simultaneously win the Annual and Overall Championship MVP awards, setting the stage for him to become the next generation’s superstar in the league. Furthermore, after the game, he stuck to his routine as the first player to enter the players’ lounge, reviewing game footage with teammates while never forgetting to shake hands with opponents, encourage his teammates, and enthusiastically sign autographs for fans, showcasing his approachable nature.
Since Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was traded from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Thunder in 2019, few could have predicted he would emerge as a future MVP. Back then, he was just an uncertain young guard, but through relentless growth, he steadily won the trust of coaches and teammates. Chris Paul, who once mentored him, remarked that Gilgeous-Alexander is a basketball enthusiast with an intense focus on the details of the game and an incredible ability to learn. These efforts are reflected in his performance metrics—from averaging 10.8 points in his rookie year to soaring to 32.7 points today, establishing him as a true force in the league.
