Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Makes Announcement Before NBA Finals
Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander enjoyed a breakout 2024-25 season that saw him earn his first NBA Most Valuable Player award and finish as the league's scoring champion with 32.7 points per game.
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Gilgeous-Alexander also collected Western Conference Finals MVP honors after averaging 31.4 points, 8.2 assists and 5.2 rebounds in the series against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
On Wednesday, just one day before Game 1 of the NBA Finals, Gilgeous-Alexander revealed a new colorway of his signature Converse SHAI 001 sneaker on Instagram.
The fifth installment in his SHAI 001 line is dubbed "Masi Blue," a tribute to his younger brother Thomasi, whose nickname "Masi" inspired both the color and dedication.
In the reveal video, Gilgeous-Alexander wrote, "SHAI 001 : MASI BLUE. Dedicated to the one that remains stoic and as cool as ice under pressure, my brother Masi. This one is for you."
The SHAI 001 'Masi Blue' features a full tonal blue upper with a sleek, zip-closure design and minimalistic branding.
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The colorway draws parallels to the Thunder's home jerseys while retaining a distinct, familial narrative meant to honor Thomasi's "cooler than ice" demeanor.
This is the latest in a series of SHAI 001 releases that celebrate members of Gilgeous-Alexander's family: the "Hail Clay" release for his wife Hailey, the "Ares Grey" for his son Ares and the "Charm Black" colorway dedicated to his mother, Charmaine.
Converse plans to release "Masi Blue" in Fall 2025.
Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
The 2025 NBA Finals will tip off on Thursday with a Western Conference champion Thunder facing off against the Eastern Conference champion Indiana Pacers.
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The Thunder secured home-court advantage by finishing the regular season with a league-best 68-14 record, a franchise high, and took out the Timberwolves 4-1 in the Western Conference Finals.
Indiana reached the Finals by defeating the New York Knicks 4-2 in the Eastern Conference Finals, powered by All-NBA guard Tyrese Haliburton and All-Star Pascal Siakam.
Related: Shaquille O'Neal Makes Strong Statement Amid Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Rumors
Related: Damian Lillard Sends Strong Message to Bucks Teammate Amid Offseason
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 4, 2025, where it first appeared.
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