Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Oklahoma City Thunder to the Finals.

In a season that has defied expectations and silenced doubters, the Oklahoma City Thunder have emphatically punched their ticket to the NBA Finals, a feat that resonates with echoes of determination, strategy, and undeniable skill. At the heart of this seismic shift in the NBA landscape stands Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a name now synonymous with clutch performances and elite leadership. His rise to superstardom is not just a testament to his individual brilliance, but a beacon for what it means to rise when the spotlight is brightest.

The Thunder’s Remarkable Season

The journey of the Oklahoma City Thunder to the NBA Finals is nothing short of cinematic. Entering the 2024–25 season, most analysts projected them as a team still entrenched in the rebuilding process. Instead, they emerged as one of the league’s most formidable units, finishing with a 68–14 regular season record, the best in the Western Conference.

Their secret? A perfect balance of youthful exuberance, coaching genius, and team chemistry. Head coach Mark Daigneault orchestrated a masterclass in development and adaptability, maximizing the talents of players like Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, and of course, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

The Thunder didn’t just win games—they made statements. Their 29–1 record against Eastern Conference teams was the best inter-conference record in NBA history, a stunning feat that showcased their ability to dominate across styles of play.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: A Star in the Making

At the center of this thunderous storm is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who has had a career-defining year. Averaging 32.7 points per game, with 6.4 assists and 5 rebounds, SGA not only led his team statistically but set the tone emotionally and mentally for every game.

What separates Gilgeous-Alexander from other rising stars is his ability to control pace, create his own shot, and defend at a high level. Whether it’s attacking the rim with grace, hitting contested mid-range shots, or stepping up in the clutch, SGA has answered every challenge. He isn’t just good—he’s MVP-level elite.

And in the Western Conference Finals, he proved it. Against a gritty Minnesota Timberwolves defense, he averaged over 30 points per game, capped by a 34-point explosion in Game 5 to send Oklahoma City to the NBA Finals. That performance earned him the Magic Johnson Western Conference Finals MVP, a fitting accolade for a season of firsts.

The Thunder’s Depth and Balance

While Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the focal point, the Thunder’s success is built on their incredible depth. Jalen Williams has developed into one of the most versatile wings in the league, contributing with clutch threes, hard-nosed defense, and sharp playmaking. Chet Holmgren, a rookie in name only, has proven to be a defensive anchor and scoring threat.

Bench players like Lu Dort, Isaiah Joe, and Josh Giddey have all played pivotal roles. This team isn’t a one-man show; it’s a well-oiled machine firing on all cylinders, with SGA as the engine and Daigneault as the architect.

The Challenge Ahead: NBA Finals Pressure

With the NBA Finals set to begin on June 5, all eyes are now on Oklahoma City. Awaiting them will either be the Indiana Pacers or the New York Knicks, two teams with very different strengths and playstyles. But no matter the opponent, the pressure and spotlight will be magnified.

For Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Finals are more than just games—they’re the ultimate proving ground. In a league where legacies are made in June, this is his moment. The challenge isn’t just to win but to dominate, to define this Finals with the kind of performances that make legends.

Colin Cowherd’s Bold Challenge: SGA vs. Jayson Tatum

As the Thunder’s stock continues to rise, so too does the spotlight on SGA. That spotlight intensified recently when sports commentator Colin Cowherd issued a bold take: comparing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander directly to Jayson Tatum.

Cowherd posed the question: “If you’re building a team today, would you take Shai over Tatum?”

It’s a debate that has sent ripples through the basketball community. Tatum, who has already been to multiple Conference Finals and an NBA Finals, is seen as the face of the Celtics and one of the league’s premier two-way wings. But Gilgeous-Alexander’s rise is pushing the envelope on that conversation.

The numbers, impact, and leadership are all trending toward SGA closing the gap, if not already surpassing the Celtics star in some areas. The NBA Finals will now serve as the ultimate stage to settle that debate—not just with stats, but with wins and legacy moments.

The Making of a Legacy

There’s something poetic about the Oklahoma City Thunder returning to the Finals for the first time since Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden wore the jersey. That team, despite its star power, fell short. But this version, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, feels different. Hungrier. More cohesive. More poised.

SGA’s legacy is already being written in bold ink, but the Finals could make it permanent. A championship would catapult him into a stratosphere few young players reach this early. It would also validate the Thunder’s vision, their faith in the draft, and their belief that building a culture is just as important as collecting stars.

Fans, Future, and Forever Impact

Thunder fans, who have endured years of rebuilds and heartbreak, now find themselves on the cusp of basketball heaven. The Paycom Center is electric, the city is buzzing, and a generation of young fans is witnessing what greatness looks like in the making.

For the NBA, the emergence of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder is a win. It shifts the balance of power, diversifies the storyline, and introduces a new protagonist in the ongoing drama of professional basketball.

This Finals appearance could mark the beginning of a dynasty, not the end of a run. With all their core players under 26 and an army of draft picks still to come, the Thunder’s future is blindingly bright.

Conclusion: A Star is Born, A Legend is Looming

As the 2025 NBA Finals tip off, the basketball world watches not just to see who wins, but to witness the rise of a new face of the league. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, once seen as an under-the-radar All-Star, is now a legitimate MVP, Finals MVP, and potentially, a champion.

The bold challenge laid down by Colin Cowherd may have sparked debate, but SGA’s response will be written on the court, not in the studio. In these Finals, every step he takes is a step closer to greatness, every bucket a brushstroke in the painting of his legacy.

The Oklahoma City Thunder, forged in patience and fueled by belief, are no longer a team of tomorrow. They are a team of right now. And Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is not just leading them—he’s defining them.