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2025 NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sets new franchise playoffs record with the Oklahoma City Thunder

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is making history with the Oklahoma City Thunder. After winning the 2025 NBA MVP, he shattered a franchise playoff record, cementing his place among Oklahoma City’s all-time greats.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder during a game against the Atlanta Hawks on October 27, 2024.
© Joshua Gateley/Getty ImagesShai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder during a game against the Atlanta Hawks on October 27, 2024.

The Oklahoma City Thunder are the NBA’s most in-form team. They dominated the regular season and kept their rhythm in the playoffs. Head coach Mark Daigneault built a strong roster with depth and balance. He also established a rotation that supports Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in every phase of the game. As a result, the Thunder reached a new milestone in franchise history.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 38 points in Game 2 against the Minnesota Timberwolves. That performance marked his fifth straight playoff game with more than 30 points. The streak began in Game 5 against the Nuggets and continued through last game against the Timberwolves. No other Thunder player had ever achieved that. His dominance and elite form remain clear.

Beyond scoring, Gilgeous-Alexander improved his playmaking and defensive impact. These gains made him even more dangerous on both ends of the court. Moreover, he has grown into the team’s leader in every sense. He leads by example and shows great maturity on and off the floor.

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Their consistency has fans dreaming of an NBA Finals return. They have not reached that stage since the 2011-12 season, when they lost 1-4 to the San Antonio Spurs. They also have not won a championship since the 1978-79 season.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder

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However, their current form tells a different story. Head coach Mark Daigneault has built a strong and balanced roster, and his work has been key to their resurgence. As a result, Thunders now look ready to end a 49-year title drought.

Oklahoma City star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander receives major honor after winning NBA MVP

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Is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander the greatest player in Thunder history? Former NBA player responds

Among Oklahoma City Thunder fans, Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant are often seen as the franchise’s all-time greats, thanks to their individual accolades and lasting impact on the organization. Both players defined an era in Oklahoma City and helped shape the team’s identity during their time on the roster. However, former NBA forward Chandler Parsons has a different perspective.

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During an appearance on Run It Back, Parsons pointed to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as the best player in Thunder history, at least in terms of potential: “It’s hard not to think this dude is the greatest Thunder of all-time. As good as Russ was…Kevin Durant, and James Harden, this guy’s a different level when you win a championship.

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