Thunder Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Almost Matched Wild LeBron James NBA Finals Feat
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The 2024-25 NBA season is now over, with the Oklahoma City Thunder clinching the first title in franchise history. The Thunder took down the Indiana Pacers in seven games, cementing themselves as one of the best teams in recent memory.
More NBA news: Pacers Star Tyrese Haliburton Suffered Torn Achilles in NBA Finals Game 7
After winning 68 games during the regular season, Oklahoma City went 16-7 throughout the playoff run. The Thunder overcame two Game 7s en route to the title, and they will now forever be called champions.
Oklahoma City was led by star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who put together a truly special year. Gilgeous-Alexander was the NBA MVP this year, and he also earned the NBA Finals MVP honor.
And he also came very close to matching a gear from legend LeBron James in the Finals. Gilgeous-Alexander scored 212 points in the series, falling just short of James' 215 during the 2015 NBA Finals.
SGA scored 212 points in this series, the most by any player in an NBA Finals since LeBron scored 215 points in 2015 🔥 pic.twitter.com/m8b2M6jnPC — NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) June 23, 2025
Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 30.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 1.9 steals, and 1.6 blocks per game in the NBA Finals. This was capped off with a 29-point and 12-assist outing in the finale.
More NBA news: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Reacts to Heartbreaking Tyrese Haliburton Injury
With this statline, Gilgeous-Alexander became only the fifth player with a 20-10 performance in Game 7 of the NBA Finals.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - JUNE 22: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder speaks to the press after defeating the Indiana Pacers 103-91 in Game Seven of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center...
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - JUNE 22: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder speaks to the press after defeating the Indiana Pacers 103-91 in Game Seven of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center on June 22, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. More
Photo byGilgeous-Alexander weighed in on the win and how things have developed for him over the years.
"Yeah, 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," Gilgeous-Alexander said.
"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. That's a "thank you" to everyone that's been in my corner that helped me get there. Wouldn't have been able to get here without them. They know who they are. Yeah, it's a win for the family."
The run by the Thunder and Gilgeous-Alexander is one that will be remembered for a long time. Oklahoma City could be on the verge of a potential dynasty with how young the core group is.
The Thunder should be favored to win it all next year, with Gilgeous-Alexander leading the charge once again.
More NBA news:
Pacers' Rick Carlisle Gets Emotional Discussing Tyrese Haliburton Playoff Run
Suns Deal Kevin Durant to Rockets in Massive Blockbuster Trade
Suns Have Reportedly Made Bradley Beal Decision After Kevin Durant Trade
For more on the Indiana Pacers, Oklahoma City Thunder, and general NBA news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
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