The Oklahoma City Thunder clinched the 2025 NBA Championship by outlasting the Indiana Pacers in a thrilling seven-game series. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander emerged as the standout performer and earned the Finals MVP honors. His exceptional play throughout the series captured the attention of fans and analysts. Moreover, a former All-Star praised Shai‘s performances, making a bold statement that surprised fans.
“He’s putting himself in a category of his own of, you know, we hear the debate of who’s the face of the NBA and who’s the young face of the NBA. And, you know, I think Shai kind of, you know, is taken that to heart. He’s tough, man. I think he’s the future for sure, he’s going to be in that conversation of, when you look at the KDs the Stephs the Brons, they held the 2000s, 2010s, 2020s, they held those eras down. I think Shai is going to hold this next era down,” Paul George said, via Podcast P with Paul George.
Many agree with George’s statement, but some contend that Shai faces an even tougher challenge: maintaining his remarkable performance over time. Should he succeed, he could earn comparisons with era-defining players like Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, and LeBron James. Impressively, Shai has already averaged over 30 points per game for three consecutive NBA seasons, a feat that promises to shape a new era in basketball.
With their recent championship win, the Oklahoma City Thunder have positioned themselves to retain their star-studded roster for the foreseeable future. Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, still on rookie contracts, provide the team with the flexibility to address upcoming contract renewals without significant challenges. The Thunder’s ability to make history will largely depend on their capacity to hold onto their marquee players in the years to come.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder celebrates with the Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player trophy after defeating the Indiana Pacers.
Paul George was not the only one to recognize his impact, as his Thunder teammate Lu Dort echoed the praise, pointing to the trait that sets him apart: “When the pressure’s high, you know he’s still there and ready to go. It sets a tone. When you see your best player like that, the other guys will just follow and (know) we’re in a good position. We’re good,” he said, via The Athletic.
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joins elite group with unique NBA achievement excluding Kobe Bryant
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 2024–25 campaign has sparked debate among fans, with many calling it the greatest single season in NBA history. While that claim is bold, there is no doubt it stands as the finest year of his career. Some Oklahoma City Thunder supporters have even gone a step further, declaring him the greatest player in franchise history.
