Latest news with #Shai
Time of India
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
NBA 2K26: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander reportedly named cover star after historic MVP season
NBA 2K26: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander reportedly named cover star after historic MVP season (Image Source: Getty Images) The wait is over for NBA fans and gamers. On July 8, the 2K NBA officially revealed the cover athlete for its next video game, NBA 2K26. The news was shared first by Shams Charania of ESPN through a post on X just before midnight. This year's cover choice follows a historic NBA season and celebrates one of the league's most talked-about stars - Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder. Why Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was picked and how 2025 changed his career forever Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, often called "SGA" by fans, had an unforgettable 2024-2025 season. In June 2025, he led the Oklahoma City Thunder to their first NBA championship in over a decade. Just weeks later, he was named NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the very first time. The 26-year-old guard averaged 32.7 points, 6.4 assists, and 5.0 rebounds per game throughout the season. He shot 51.9% from the field and 37.5% from three-point range. His performance helped the Thunder dominate both the regular season and playoffs. On top of the MVP honor, Shai was named to the All-NBA First Team for the third year in a row. Right after his championship and MVP win, Shai signed a four-year, $285 million supermax extension, which now holds the record for the highest annual salary in NBA history. This moment, both on and off the court, has made him one of the league's most respected young stars. NBA 2K26: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander reportedly named cover star after historic MVP season (Image Source: X) With all these achievements, it was no surprise that 2K Sports and the team behind NBA 2K26 picked him as the new face of the franchise. The news has excited both gamers and basketball fans who have watched Shai's steady rise to stardom over the last few years. NBA insider Shams Charania tweeted the reveal at 11:35 PM CEST on July 8. You can view his official post here: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is now on a list of NBA size that has appeared on the front of the video game, such as Kobe Bryant, Lebron James and Stephen Curry. Also Read: NBA Trade Rumors: Cleveland Cavaliers might re-sign Kevin Love as LeBron James rumors More updates on the game, including features and release dates, are expected from 2K Sports later this month. Currently, the fans are already celebrating Shai's moments in the spotlight- both in real life and on the front. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
NBC News
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- NBC News
Naomi Osaka reacts to viral clip of her harsh comments about her Wimbledon defeat
Naomi Osaka took to social media to address a now-viral clip of her postgame interview after her Wimbledon loss. Osaka faced Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova during the third round at Wimbledon Friday, July 4, ending in a 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 loss. Following the match, Osaka expressed her disappointment in an interview, which was shared on social media by ESPN. 'I'm just going to be a negative human being today, I'm so sorry,' Osaka said during the interview. 'I have nothing positive to say about myself, which is something I'm working on.' Osaka shared the silver lining about her week with a sweet nod to her daughter, Shai, explaining, 'It was my daughter's birthday, so I was happy about that this week.' 'But other than that, today I'm just constantly replaying the match now,' she noted. Osaka reacted to the viral clip on Threads, writing in one post, 'Bro why is it every time I do a press conference after a loss the espns and blogs gotta clip it and put it up.' 'Wtf, why don't they clip my press conferences after I win?' Osaka added. 'Like why push the narrative that I'm always sad?' In another post, Osaka said, 'Sure I was disappointed a couple hours ago, now I'm motivated to do better.' 'That's human emotions,' she wrote. 'The way they clip me I feel like I should be fake happy all the time.' Despite her reaction to the clip, Osaka has been showered with supportive comments from fans on social media, including in the comment section on a July 3 post captioned 'Happy Shai day.' 'GIRL we love you. You're going through hard time but you gotta remember who you are your NAOMI OSAKA !' one Instagram user wrote. 'lil shai and so many girls look up to you! You're are a dream athlete a kind caring woman. Honest and fearless. You're an absolute queen, the Williams took a break and came back strong as ever maybe it's time to get some care.' The comment continued, concluding with, 'I think all our jaws were on the ground to see you so sad and not able to see the light in yourself the light we all see.' 'You may have nothing positive to say about yourself but we have many positive things to say about you!' another comment read. 'You can't win everytime… don't get too down on yourself, you're still a legend. Hold that head up high, sis!' One Instagram user shared an encouraging message for the tennis champ, writing, 'Don't be so hard on yourself Naomi, you are one of the greats. Come back stronger!' Over the years, Osaka hasn't shied away from getting candid about her personal life. In 2021, Osaka announced that she wouldn't be participating in press conferences at the French Open due to the effects on her mental health. She later pulled out of the tournament entirely, citing 'bouts of depression' in her decision. Osaka later penned an essay for TIME in July 2021, sharing why she decided to pull out of the tournament all together. At the time, she wrote, 'I communicated that I wanted to skip press conferences at Roland Garros to exercise self-care and preservation of my mental health. I stand by that. Athletes are humans.'
Time of India
24-06-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
NBA Finals hero Shai Gilgeous-Alexander explodes internet with unexpected move at OKC parade
NBA Finals hero Shai Gilgeous-Alexander explodes internet with unexpected move at OKC parade (Image Source: Getty Images) Oklahoma City rang with cheers on Monday, June 24. Supporters flooded the streets to mark the Thunder's huge championship victory. What made the day even more special, though, was a moment from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He not only waved to the crowd but also walked up and offered the trophy, shared the joy with the fans. And that little gesture soon became the most discussed part of the entire parade. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sparks wild celebration with viral parade moment in OKC On Monday, June 24, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander gave Oklahoma City something that mattered. As the Thunder's championship parade passed through the streets, the 26-year-old guard hoisted the NBA Finals trophy high, then extended it outward, allowing fans to get a closer look and even feel it. Shai, so massively involved in OKC's title triumph in 2024–25, even made an attempt to ensure the city felt just as much a part of the victory. The parade started in downtown Oklahoma City at about 11 a.m., after the Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers in Game 7 post leading by 3-1. The streets were crammed with fans waving signs and repping team colors. The energy was high when Gilgeous-Alexander stepped out and walked along the barricades, holding the golden trophy. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Here's A List Of Cheapest Steel Suppliers (See List) Steel Suppliers | search ads Search Now Undo In a now-viral video posted by the NBA on X (formerly Twitter), the OKC star can be seen smiling and stretching out the Finals trophy toward fans. The moment quickly made its rounds on social media, with one showing the championship celebration from above. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shares Finals trophy with fans as Thunder celebrate first title since move to OKC Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, known as 'SGA,' has been the face of the Thunder throughout their postseason run. On Sunday, June 22, the team secured their first-ever championship since moving to Oklahoma City. They defeated the Indiana Pacers in Game 7 and took over the series by 4–3. This championship means everything to the city. OKC fans have waited years for this, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander made sure to include them in every moment. In a video, he is seen interacting closely with fans, smiling, and raising the trophy high in the air. The NBA also confirmed the win in a post that read, 'THE THUNDER ARE YOUR '24-25 CHAMPIONS '. Fans online praised Shai's humility and joy. One comment read, 'SGA is one of us. This means just as much to him as it does to OKC.' Another wrote, 'He didn't just win it for the city he won it with the city.' As music blared and confetti flew, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's small gesture became the heart of the day. Also Read: LeBron James reveals giving important life lessons to his sons Bronny and Bryce over group chat For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here . Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
Hamilton Spectator
24-06-2025
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
Hamilton's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander now in exclusive club with Shaq, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Michael Jordan
If ever a movie is made about the life of new NBA heavyweight champ Shai Gilgeous-Alexander — at this point isn't anything possible? 'Space Jam 3?' Shai Jam? — it could open with a scene in the cavernous gym at Hamilton's downtown YMCA. Summer of 2013: a skinny 14-year old kid with oversized feet is grinding, working on his game at a basketball camp, displaying uncommon seriousness of purpose. Kenold Knight, one of the coaches, notes the kid's intensity. 'So what do you have going on?' Knight asks. 'What's your plan?' 'I'm going to the NBA,' replies Shai. Flash forward to the present, Sunday night, and the coach's eyes tear up in front of his TV, watching a player universally known as SGA hoist new trophies — National Basketball Association champion and Finals MVP — and dish credit to teammates and 'everyone that's helped me get here, and they know who they are.' 'When you have someone who dreams so big, and you see them achieve it on the biggest stage, it is just surreal,' said Knight. 'And hearing Shai give credit to the people who helped him — that is humility, embodied right there.' At the same moment he led his Oklahoma City Thunder to the NBA title in Game 7 against the Indiana Pacers — the second gut-check Game 7 victory for OKC in these playoffs — Gilgeous-Alexander placed Hamilton in a rarefied category, with San Antonio, New York City, and Wilmington, N.C. What do all four cities have in common? They are cities where a pantheon of NBA greats grew up, who — like Gilgeous-Alexander — achieved the sublime quad of winning the NBA scoring title, MVP, championship and finals MVP all in the same season: Shaquille O'Neal, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Michael Jordan (MJ did it four times.) A spokesperson with the City of Hamilton said 'plans to celebrate and honour Shai here in Hamilton are still being finalized.' Mayor Andrea Horwath posted a congratulatory post on social media: 'Your leadership, poise, and passion are unmatched!' Gilgeous-Alexander was born in Toronto, where his father, Vaughan Alexander, had been a star high school hoops player. Alexander was courtside in OKC for Game 7. He told The Spec that his son's accomplishment was the culmination of hard work and perseverance. 'I'm sure he has had a list of achievements he has checked off all his life,' he said. 'Has been checking them off one by one, and he's not done. He plans to get better. Players in their prime get better. I'm looking forward to that.' Gilgeous-Alexander, who attended St. Thomas More and Sir Allan MacNab high schools, has always talked up Hamilton as the place he developed his early basketball skills and where he 'became a man.' 'A blue collar, under the radar city,' he has told The Spec. He recalled that in youth basketball, GTA teams 'had all the hype. We played with a chip on our shoulder … An underdog mentality.' Chip? Perhaps it is a coincidence, but note that in Game 3, Gilgeous-Alexander uncharacteristically tussled with an Indiana player who had been harassing him on defence when he didn't have the ball. The player, Andrew Nembhard, went to high school in Vaughan, in the GTA. Six of Gilgeous-Alexander's old MacNab Lions buddies gathered at a restaurant in Ancaster to watch Game 7. In OKC, the Hamilton content courtside, in addition to Shai's wife, Hailey — they dated in their teens — was personal trainer, Nemanja (Nem) Ilic. He attended Westmount high school, and for six summers worked out Gilgeous-Alexander in the off-season in Ilic's garage/gym on the Mountain. Ilic was on the floor after the game with Gilgeous-Alexander and other family and friends, trying to 'feel the moment,' he told The Spec. 'I felt fortunate to witness history. All the hard work leading to this moment … I'm super proud of his growth as a basketball player and as a man and who he's becoming.' On social media, a few fans posted that they thought OKC players reacted happily — but also with oddly restrained enthusiasm — after winning the championship. Perhaps the players can't help but channel SGA, their calm and steady superstar who plays with a unique blend of fire and ice. And maybe the Thunder, and Gilgeous-Alexander, are already pondering new dreams. Ilic, for one, couldn't help it. Celebrating with his friend and client on the hardwood, he said to him: 'Now let's make it a repeat — why not?'
Time of India
24-06-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
How much prize money do Thunder players earn for winning 2025 NBA Finals vs Indiana Pacers?
The Oklahoma City Thunder have finally done it. After years of rebuilding, the team is now on top of the basketball world. They beat the Indiana Pacers 103-91 in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals to win their first title since relocating from Seattle in 2008. But aside from the trophy, what do the players actually get? The answer: a pretty sweet bonus. How much do Oklahoma City Thunder players get? Winning the NBA Finals isn't just about lifting the trophy. There's also serious money involved. The Oklahoma City Thunder will take home a huge share of the NBA's playoff prize pool after beating the Indiana Pacers in Game 7. The total amount given to the winning team this year is over $13 million, and that's before other bonuses and team incentives. To Oklahoma with love 🫶 — OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) June 23, 2025 According to Diario AS and NBA, that prize pool gets split among players, coaches, and support staff. But if we focus just on the players, and assume a standard 15-man playoff roster, each player is set to receive around $828,000. That's a massive reward for a long, gruelling season and a historic run. To compare, NFL players only get around $157,000 for winning the conference title and another $200,000 for the Super Bowl win. So yes, NBA Finals champions earn more than double what NFL winners do. For rookies and younger players on smaller contracts, this bonus can be more than 25% of their annual salary. And even for stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, it's still a well-earned prize for leading this team to glory. There may be bigger contracts and endorsements out there, but nothing beats winning a ring and getting a nice check to go with it. What happened in the Thunder vs Pacers Game 7? The final showdown between the Thunder and Pacers was intense. With everything on the line, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander stepped up once again. He scored 29 points and had 12 assists, leading the team to victory in front of a wild home crowd at Paycom Center. THE OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER ARE WORLD — Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) June 23, 2025 He didn't just help his team win, Shai also took home Finals MVP, adding to his regular-season MVP and scoring title. He became the first player since Shaquille O'Neal in 2002 to win all three in the same year. The Pacers fought hard, but their hopes took a big hit early when Tyrese Haliburton suffered what looked like an Achilles injury. He had started strong, hitting three early three-pointers, but left the game in tears after slipping in the first quarter. Still, Indiana stayed in the fight. TJ McConnell scored 12 points in the third quarter, while Bennedict Mathurin led the team overall with 24 points off the bench. But OKC's talent and energy proved too much in the final stretch
