NBA Finals hero Shai Gilgeous-Alexander explodes internet with unexpected move at OKC parade
NBA Finals hero Shai Gilgeous-Alexander explodes internet with unexpected move at OKC parade (Image Source: Getty Images)
Oklahoma City rang with cheers on Monday, June 24. Supporters flooded the streets to mark the Thunder's huge championship victory. What made the day even more special, though, was a moment from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
He not only waved to the crowd but also walked up and offered the trophy, shared the joy with the fans. And that little gesture soon became the most discussed part of the entire parade.
Shai
Gilgeous-Alexander sparks wild celebration with viral parade moment in
OKC
On Monday, June 24, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander gave Oklahoma City something that mattered. As the Thunder's championship parade passed through the streets, the 26-year-old guard hoisted the NBA Finals trophy high, then extended it outward, allowing fans to get a closer look and even feel it.
Shai, so massively involved in OKC's title triumph in 2024–25, even made an attempt to ensure the city felt just as much a part of the victory.
The parade started in downtown Oklahoma City at about 11 a.m., after the Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers in
Game
7 post leading by 3-1. The streets were crammed with fans waving signs and repping team colors. The energy was high when Gilgeous-Alexander stepped out and walked along the barricades, holding the golden trophy.
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In a now-viral video posted by the NBA on X (formerly Twitter), the OKC star can be seen smiling and stretching out the Finals trophy toward fans.
The moment quickly made its rounds on social media, with one showing the championship celebration from above.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shares Finals trophy with fans as Thunder celebrate first title since move to OKC
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, known as 'SGA,' has been the face of the Thunder throughout their postseason run. On Sunday, June 22, the team secured their first-ever championship since moving to Oklahoma City.
They defeated the Indiana Pacers in Game 7 and took over the series by 4–3.
This championship means everything to the city. OKC fans have waited years for this, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander made sure to include them in every moment. In a video, he is seen interacting closely with fans, smiling, and raising the trophy high in the air.
The NBA also confirmed the win in a post that read, 'THE THUNDER ARE YOUR '24-25 CHAMPIONS '.
Fans online praised Shai's humility and joy. One comment read, 'SGA is one of us. This means just as much to him as it does to OKC.' Another wrote, 'He didn't just win it for the city he won it with the city.'
As music blared and confetti flew, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's small gesture became the heart of the day.
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LeBron James reveals giving important life lessons to his sons Bronny and Bryce over group chat
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