The Rise of a New LEGEND: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander etches his name in history with 4 Titles at Once!

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, also affectionately known as SGA, has officially etched his name into the history books of the NBA. After a legendary season, the Oklahoma City Thunder superstar capped off a dream campaign by winning both the 2024–25 NBA MVP and the 2025 NBA Finals MVP, becoming the first Canadian player ever to achieve such a feat.

On Sunday, June 22, in front of a roaring crowd, Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder to a 103-91 victory over the Indiana Pacers in Game 7 of the NBA Finals, securing the franchise’s first NBA championship since relocating to Oklahoma City in 2008.

From SGA to MVP: The Rise of a Canadian Legend

Standing at 6-foot-6 with a fluid game, a signature calm demeanor, and now a championship pedigree, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has taken the basketball world by storm. His performance in the Finals was nothing short of iconic—29 points, a playoff career-high 12 assists, and 5 rebounds in Game 7 alone.

Throughout the series, SGA averaged 30.3 points, 5.6 assists, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.9 steals per game while shooting 44.3% from the floor. Those numbers made the Finals MVP decision an easy one for voters. But beyond the stats, it was his poise, leadership, and ability to deliver in the clutch that truly separated him.

History in the Making: SGA Joins Elite MVP Company

With his Finals MVP win, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander became just the 11th player in NBA history to win both the league MVP and Finals MVP in the same season. The exclusive list includes:

• Michael Jordan

• Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

• Shaquille O’Neal

• LeBron James

• Larry Bird

• Tim Duncan

• Magic Johnson

• Moses Malone

• Willis Reed

• Hakeem Olajuwon

Even more impressively, SGA became just the third player in NBA history to win the scoring title, NBA MVP, and Finals MVP in the same season, joining only Michael Jordan and Shaquille O’Neal in that elite club.

A Moment of Relief and Joy for Gilgeous-Alexander

After receiving his Finals MVP trophy, an emotional Shai Gilgeous-Alexander opened up about the journey and pressure that came with chasing a championship.

“So much weight off my shoulders. So much stress relieved,” he said. “No matter what, you go into every night wanting to win. Sometimes it just doesn’t go your way… So proud of this group. Wouldn’t want to do it with any other group in the world. Feels good to be a champion.”

Sporting his classic 6 stitch braids and a confident smile, the 26-year-old Canadian embodied the spirit of resilience and greatness.

From Draft Night Trade to Global Superstar

The story of SGA’s rise began on NBA Draft Night in 2018, when he was selected 11th overall by the Charlotte Hornets, only to be traded that same night to the Los Angeles Clippers. He made the All-Rookie Second Team in his debut season and was later traded to Oklahoma City as part of the Paul George deal—a move that changed the course of both the Thunder and Gilgeous-Alexander’s career.

Since arriving in OKC, SGA has steadily evolved. This year, his seventh season, he made the leap from All-Star to MVP, leading the league in points per game (32.7) and total points (2,484). He also made his third All-NBA First Team and third All-Star appearance.

Delivering in the Playoffs: 15 Games of 30+ Points

In the playoffs, SGA’s dominance continued, scoring 30+ points in 15 of 23 games, including a 40-point outburst in the Western Conference Finals against the Minnesota Timberwolves. In the Finals, he tallied four games with 30 or more points, showcasing his scoring versatility and unshakeable confidence.

Canada’s New Global Basketball Icon

Gilgeous-Alexander’s achievement marks a historic moment for Canadian basketball. He is now the first Canadian player to win NBA Finals MVP, and his meteoric rise reflects the growing influence of Canadian talent in the NBA. From Steve Nash to Jamal Murray, Canada has produced stars, but SGA has now reached the pinnacle.

“It’s hard to believe that I’m part of that group. It’s hard to even fathom that I’m that type of basketball player sometimes,” he admitted. “As a kid, you dream. Every kid dreams. But you don’t ever really know if it’s going to come true. I’m just glad and happy that my dreams have been able to come true.”

He added, “Wouldn’t have been able to get here without [those who helped me]. They know who they are. It’s a win for the family.”

Oklahoma City’s Championship Core: A Thunderous Future

The 2025 championship not only brings redemption for the Thunder after years of rebuilding but also sets the stage for a dynastic future. Alongside SGA, rising stars like Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, and Cason Wallace played key roles. The synergy between youth and leadership made OKC unstoppable.

Head coach Mark Daigneault, known for his calm demeanor and smart tactics, deserves credit for fostering a culture of development and belief.

Finals Recap: Thunder Strike in Game 7

Facing the Indiana Pacers, led by Bennedict Mathurin and Tyrese Haliburton, the Thunder were tested. After Haliburton exited early in Game 7 with a suspected Achilles injury, Mathurin stepped up, but OKC’s defense and third-quarter surge sealed the win.

Andrew Nembhard, another Canadian talent, provided a halftime spark for Indiana with a buzzer-beating three-pointer, but SGA’s dominance and the Thunder’s execution proved too much in the second half.

Brotherhood Over Accolades

As Gilgeous-Alexander stood on the court with the Larry O’Brien Trophy in one hand and the Bill Russell Finals MVP in the other, he made it clear what truly mattered.

“All the achievements and accolades… they don’t even come close to the satisfaction of winning with your brothers,” he said. “That’s been the most impressive and fun part—just to know that I have 15 brothers that I just experienced a once-in-a-lifetime experience with. I’ll never forget them, they’ll never forget me.”

Legacy Cemented, But Just Getting Started

At just 26 years old, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander already boasts a résumé that rivals some of the NBA’s greatest legends. His trajectory hints that this may only be the beginning. With the Thunder’s youth movement, a loyal fanbase, and SGA leading the way, Oklahoma City could soon be the league’s new dynasty.

For Canada, it’s a golden era of basketball, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is its undisputed king.