Latest news with #Gilgeous-Alexander
USA Today
2 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on Thunder championship parade turnout: 'Best city in the world'
Holding the Larry O'Brien trophy, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had plenty of highlights from the Oklahoma City Thunder's championship parade. Hot summer temperatures didn't scare folks from attending. Half a million packed themselves into downtown to see them celebrate the franchise's first title. Gilgeous-Alexander and his Thunder teammates showed a side of themselves that hasn't been publicly seen before. A championship will bring that out of you. The usual stoic Aaron Wiggins showed off his charisma on the microphone to kick things off. Jaylin Williams had the Scissortail Park hang onto every one of his words in an epic expletive-filled speech to close the parade off that would've had Stone Cold Steve Austin smile. Usually, NBA champions stay on their buses as they make the rounds. But Gilgeous-Alexander did the opposite. The MVP winner walked the streets. Reaching out the championship trophy over the barricade for fans to touch, Gilgeous-Alexander showed the Thunder faithful his love for their commitment over the years as they went from a rebuild to one of the greatest teams ever. 'Best city in the world, if you guys can't tell already," Gilgeous-Alexander said. "Best city in the world.' That's music to Thunder fans' ears. The scary part for the rest of the NBA is that this is only the beginning in OKC. Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren ensure the Thunder will remain in title conversations for the foreseeable future. Heck, they're the favorites to repeat next year. For Gilgeous-Alexander to show Thunder fans love on the biggest day of his career shows the bond built between the team and OKC. He's quickly risen through the ranks as the greatest player in Thunder history. Sorry, Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. "Best feeling in the world... Best city in the world."Nothing SGA would rather be than a champion in Oklahoma City 💯🏆
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander letting Thunder fans touch Larry O'Brien Trophy goes viral
The post Shai Gilgeous-Alexander letting Thunder fans touch Larry O'Brien Trophy goes viral appeared first on ClutchPoints. On Sunday evening, the Oklahoma City Thunder broke through and won their first NBA championship with a resounding Game 7 win over the Indiana Pacers. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander won Finals MVP for his efforts in the series, becoming the first player in 25 years to win league MVP, the scoring title, and Finals MVP in the same year. Advertisement On Tuesday, the Thunder got a chance to celebrate the championship victory with their fans as part of the team's parade. At one point during the festivities, Gilgeous-Alexander left his float and took a walk down the street, allowing fans to touch the Larry O'Brien trophy in the process in a moment that quickly went viral on social media (per NBA Latam on X, formerly Twitter). It was just another example of how much Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City community have embraced one another over the last several years, eventually culminating in this year's NBA title. A huge moment for the Thunder Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images While in some respects, Game 7 was overshadowed by the torn Achilles suffered by Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton early in the first quarter, that shouldn't take away from what the Thunder were able to accomplish in 2024-25. Advertisement The Thunder were the best team in the league all season, setting a franchise record with 68 wins and also setting various records during their playoff run. While the series against the Pacers was a bit harder than many anticipated, the young Thunder ultimately got the job done, thanks in no small part to the brilliance of Gilgeous-Alexander. The Thunder now find themselves in the rare position of coming off of a championship and still having several clear avenues to get better the following offseason. Oklahoma City has 15 first round draft picks over the next seven years at their disposal, and they also have various trade chip pieces on their bench as well as youngsters like Nikola Topic waiting in the wings. Advertisement Whatever route they choose to go this offseason, the Thunder have now officially etched their names into NBA immortality. Related: Thunder news: OKC mayor crowns Shai Gilgeous-Alexander over Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook Related: Isaiah Hartenstein reveals hilarious story of Thunder's free agency recruitment
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander applauds Thunder front office for NBA title
The post Shai Gilgeous-Alexander applauds Thunder front office for NBA title appeared first on ClutchPoints. OKLAHOMA CITY — After capturing his first NBA championship in Game 7 against the Indiana Pacers, Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star and NBA Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander showered the front office with appreciation for a remarkable journey. Gilgeous-Alexander's NBA Finals MVP award tops a campaign that only Hall of Fame guard Michael Jordan and centers Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Shaquille O'Neal can relate to. Advertisement Gilgeous-Alexander added finals MVP to winning the scoring title, and regular-season MVP, along with, of course, the NBA championship. After the win, Gilgeous-Alexander addressed the Thunder front office for putting him in a position to ascend into the association's brightest star. 'I'm so happy for them. They put in so much work behind the scenes and not everybody sees,' Gilgeous-Alexander said. 'They don't always get the credit, but they've done an amazing job of building an environment, a winning environment. And it's not a fluke why we're here and why we have so much success, and why we've grown so quickly. Those guys have done a great job giving us a platform to be ourselves and be great, and we did so.' Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 29 points, 12 assists, two blocks, and one steal in Sunday's series-clinching 103-91 win against the Pacers. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander eligible for $293.4 million extension Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images Thunder All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is eligible for a max contract after such a historic season that led to a championship run. While Thunder All-Star Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren's respective extensions would start a year earlier than Gilgeous-Alexander's, in 2026, SGA could cash in up to $81.2 million in one season. Advertisement Gilgeous-Alexander's max deal could average over $73 million per season, while the salary of $80 million or more in one season would be a first in the NBA, per ESPN's Bobby Marks. 'The MVP is eligible to sign a four-year, $293.4 million supermax extension ($65.5 million, $70.7 million, $76 million, $81.2 million),' Marks wrote. 'Because he has two years left on his contract, the $65.5 million salary in the first year would not start until 2027-28. The extension is unprecedented for two reasons. The $73.3 million average over the four seasons is the highest in NBA history. 'And next, Gilgeous-Alexander will probably become the first player with a salary of $80 million or more in one season. He led the league in scoring and had 71 straight 20-point games, the fourth-longest streak in NBA history,' Marks concluded. Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 30.3 points on 44.3% shooting, 5.6 assists, 4.6 rebounds, 1.9 steals, and 1.6 blocks against the Pacers in the NBA Finals, making him the clear-cut candidate for his second MVP award of the 2024-25 campaign. Related: Thunder's Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren in line for $247 million contract extensions Related: Thunder player who made history by winning title before even playing a game
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Thunder news: OKC mayor crowns Shai Gilgeous-Alexander over Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook
The post Thunder news: OKC mayor crowns Shai Gilgeous-Alexander over Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook appeared first on ClutchPoints. Fresh off their first NBA title since relocating from Seattle, the Oklahoma City Thunder held a championship parade on Tuesday to celebrate their Game 7 victory over the Indiana Pacers. Amid the celebrations, Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt made headlines with a bold proclamation regarding the franchise's all-time greats. Advertisement Introducing Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to the stage, Holt referred to him as 'the greatest player to ever put on the uniform,' effectively placing him above former Thunder superstars Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. Gilgeous-Alexander took the microphone following Holt's introduction and thanked the city and fans for their support throughout the season and championship run. 'Thank you guys so much,' Gilgeous-Alexander said. 'Don't ever forget this — moments in life like this, they don't come and go often. Make sure you guys enjoy this moment with your family, your friends, your loved ones… everyone that helped you and us get here and don't forget who they are. Don't ever turn your back on them – just like us as a team, just like us as a community, just like the city of Oklahoma. Thank you guys.' The moment marked the culmination of a remarkable season for the 26-year-old, who led the Thunder to a franchise-record 68 wins during the regular season. Gilgeous-Alexander was named the 2024–25 NBA Most Valuable Player after averaging 32.7 points, 6.4 assists, 5.0 rebounds, 1.7 steals, and 1.0 block per game on 51.9% shooting from the field and 37.5% from three across 76 appearances. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's MVP run and Finals heroics spark debate over his place atop Thunder history Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images He carried that success into the postseason, guiding Oklahoma City past the Memphis Grizzlies, Denver Nuggets, and Minnesota Timberwolves before defeating the Pacers in a seven-game NBA Finals. Gilgeous-Alexander earned Finals MVP honors, averaging 30.3 points, 5.6 assists, 4.6 rebounds, 1.9 steals, and 1.6 blocks per game while shooting 44.3% from the field in the series. Advertisement In Game 7, he delivered a signature performance — finishing with 29 points, 12 assists, five rebounds, two blocks, and one steal in 40 minutes. The Thunder pulled away late to secure a 103–91 victory and claim the first NBA championship in franchise history since relocating to Oklahoma City. The Thunder's title run not only delivered a long-awaited championship to the city but also reshaped the conversation around the team's historical hierarchy. Durant, who won an MVP with the Thunder and led them to the 2012 NBA Finals, left in 2016 for the Golden State Warriors. Westbrook, the 2017 MVP, became synonymous with the franchise's identity after Durant's departure but never secured a championship during his tenure. With a title, an MVP award, and a Finals MVP now on his resume, Gilgeous-Alexander has positioned himself at the forefront of Oklahoma City's basketball legacy. Holt's comments at the parade reflect a growing sentiment that the current face of the franchise may already stand above the stars who came before him. Related: Thunder's Jalen Williams 'feeling loose' at parade after viral 'Shirley Temples' comment Related: Isaiah Hartenstein reveals hilarious story of Thunder's free agency recruitment
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Alex Caruso declares Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ‘face of the league' after Thunder's Finals win
The post Alex Caruso declares Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 'face of the league' after Thunder's Finals win appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Oklahoma City Thunder were victorious over the Indiana Pacers in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals on Sunday night, with superstar guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander unsurprisingly taking home Finals MVP for his squad. After the game, Gilgeous-Alexander earned a new label from his veteran backcourt running mate, Alex Caruso, that will certainly catch fans' attention. Advertisement Gilgeous-Alexander enjoyed a season for the ages, as he was the league's leading scorer who also won the 2024-25 MVP Award. He followed that up by dominating in the postseason, leading the Thunder all the way to the first championship in their franchise history. With the face of the NBA discussion still being debated among fans, Caruso confidently handed that label to Gilgeous-Alexander after Oklahoma City topped Indiana. 'As far as face of the league and best player on best team, he's got that capability,' Caruso said of Gilgeous-Alexander after Game 7, per Josue Pavon of ClutchPoints. 'I think the thing that sets him apart is he'll probably be hungry for more. He probably won't be satisfied with just winning this one time. He'll want to do it again, he'll want to be better, he'll want to see how he can tweak and maneuver his game to better fit and take advantage of the way people guard him.' Alex Caruso, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander celebrate Thunder's Finals victory Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images All the individual accolades are nice, but Gilgeous-Alexander has made it clear that his primary goal was to win a title with the Thunder this season. While he led the way, he needed the help of everyone else on OKC's roster, with the addition of Caruso being one of the biggest moves that helped the team take the next step forward this season. Advertisement Now, they get to celebrate their major accomplishment together, without having to worry about what's next. In Caruso's eyes, though, Gilgeous-Alexander has firmly established himself as the next great superstar in the NBA, and while the star guard will surely soak up the celebration from his championship win, you can bet he will return next season looking to prove that this is the only the start for him. Related: How Thunder forward Chet Holmgren's injury battle makes NBA title even more sweet Related: The $293.4 million contract Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander extension is eligible for after NBA title
