Latest news with #Shai
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Former NBA Players Crown Shai Gilgeous-Alexander As The Greatest Thunder Player Ever: Major Disrespect To Kevin Durant And Russell Westbrook
After their convincing victory in the opening games of their latest series (against the Minnesota Timberwolves), the Oklahoma City Thunder are now just two wins away from their first NBA Finals appearance since 2012. As the reigning MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander deserves a lot of credit for his Thunder run, and some have already started calling him the greatest player in Thunder franchise history. "He's the greatest Thunder of all time," said Kendrick Perkins on NBA Today. "He already joined the company of Michael Jordan this year with three consecutive seasons shooting over 50%. He hoisted up the MVP trophy and now he's on his way to going to the NBA Finals and he's going to win the NBA championship and he's going to become Finals MVP. We're watching a young man right now who is the best perimeter player in the game of basketball. He's unguardable." Advertisement Perkins was part of the Thunder team that made the Finals in 2012 and he saw the greatness of Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook for himself. Yet, somehow, he's already seen enough to crown SGA as the "greatest Thunder ever." Surprisingly, he's not the only former player to make that argument. "It's hard not to think this dude is the greatest Thunder of all time," said Chandler Parsons on Fan Duel TV. "As good as Russ was with the MVP and triple-doubles, and Kevin Durant, and James Harden, this guy's a different level when you win a championship, especially in this city, in this market." It's easy to appreciate what Shai is doing right now and he certainly deserves a lot of praise for his performance this season with averages of 32.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game on 51.9% shooting. But with just seven years of experience in the league, and six with the Thunder, it's borderline disrespectful to rank him over other franchise legends. Right now, Kevin Durant still has a stronger argument for being the best Thunder ever. In nine seasons with the franchise, he averaged 27.4 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game on 48.3% shooting. He was an All-Star seven times and won the MVP in 2014 while averaging 32.0 points per game. Advertisement Of course, many Thunder fans would argue that Russell Westbrook has the best case as the franchise's greatest athlete. He leads the team in points with 18,859 over 11 years with the team. As a 9x All-Star, MVP, and 2x scoring champ, Westbrook was the face of the Thunder for many years and he was beloved by the fans during his best years there. As good as Shai is, his resume doesn't yet hold up against legends like Durant and Westbrook, who are considered among the top 75 greatest players ever. Fortunately for Shai, he has a chance to strengthen his case if he wins the championship this year. After winning his first MVP, SGA has the Thunder in position to make a serious championship run, and it'd be the first in the franchise's storied history. For that feat alone, Shai would qualify as the greatest player in franchise history,y but the job is not done yet. Heading to Minnesota, the Thunder will face their biggest test yet in Game 3 as they look to take a commanding 3-0 series lead. Even if they advance to the Finals, there's no guarantee they'd beat whoever comes out of the East between the Pacers and Knicks. At the very least, Shai will give them a chance to win and his legacy will take a major leap if he manages to become an NBA champion at 26 years old. Related: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander vs. Kevin Durant: Who Had The Better MVP Season? (Full Comparison)
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Continues Historic Run After Being Named MVP Of The Western Conference Finals
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Continues Historic Run After Being Named MVP Of The Western Conference Finals originally appeared on Fadeaway World. Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is on the fast track to greatness at just 26 years old. Tonight, after helping lead the Thunder to victory in Game 5, he was named the MVP of the Western Conference as his team advanced to the NBA Finals. Advertisement "A couple of years when I got here, there were some really dark times in this arena, not fun times, and these fans have been by our side through thick and thin," said Shai after winning Conference Finals MVP. "Of course, I want to thank my teammates. Without them, I am nothing, clear as day. I don't have 124 points by myself. I love these guys to death, but with all that being said, this is a step in the right direction, but we have a lot more work to do, and we know that. So buckle up and get ready." It was an encouraging message from the NBA's reigning MVP, who has now taken the throne as the MVP of the Western Conference Finals. He joins a growing list of previous award-winners, including Stephen Curry, Nikola Jokic, and Luka Doncic. He's the first to win it after the regular-season MVP and could become the first player ever to win three MVPs in a season (regular season, Western Conference, and NBA Finals). Against the Timberwolves, he scored 157 through five games for an average of 31.4 points, along with 5.2 rebounds and 8.2 assists per game in the series. Minnesota had no answers for his dominance, especially on the free-throw line, where he averaged 9.5 attempts per game. In many ways, it was Shai's stepping-out moment into a different level of stardom, but it was also the continuation of what he was doing in the regular season. From October to April, the Thunder had the best record in the league (68-14), and Shai was a big part of it with averages of 32.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game on 51.9% shooting. Advertisement As an MVP, 3x All-Star, and 3x All-NBA player, it's clear that Shai is on a Hall-of-Fame trajectory at just 26 years old. By the end of this season, with two trophies and a trip to the Finals already in the books, Gilgeous-Alexander may be in consideration for the greatest player in Thunder history. Before he sets his ambitions too high, however, Shai still has work to be done in their current playoff run. After beating the Timberwolves, they have reason to celebrate, but their next test may be the hardest of all. Whether it's the New York Knicks or the red-hot Indiana Pacers, the Finals could prove to be a major obstacle, and the Thunder will not take it lightly. Whether they win or lose, however, this season from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will forever be celebrated by Thunder fans, but it's only just the beginning. With another two years and $78 million on his deal, he's got years left to continue this run. By all accounts, Shai has the potential to lead a Thunder dynasty in the West that could put his career on par with some of the all-time greats. Related: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Unbothered By "Free Throw Merchant" Label, Wants To Silence Fans With His Game This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on May 29, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Trolls His Dad For Trying To Steal His MVP Trophy
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Trolls His Dad For Trying To Steal His MVP Trophy originally appeared on Fadeaway World. After a dominant Game 5 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves that sent the Oklahoma City Thunder to their first NBA Finals since 2012, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was awarded the Magic Johnson Western Conference Finals MVP trophy, but it was his dad, Vaughn Alexander, who nearly stole the show. Advertisement As the postgame celebrations unfolded, Shai gathered with family to soak in the moment. But as he posed with the hard-earned MVP trophy, he couldn't help but notice something funny: his dad refused to let go of the award. With a sly grin, Shai turned to Vaughn and said, 'You actin' like it's yours.' The moment instantly went viral. Vaughn, fully embracing the playful jab, pretended to stuff the trophy under his sweatshirt and sneak away with it. Shai burst out laughing, capturing a heartwarming exchange between father and son that reminded everyone watching of the importance of family behind basketball's biggest moments. Vaughn's pride was undeniable. After all, his son had just averaged 31.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 5.2 rebounds per game in the series, leading the Thunder to a 4–1 win over Minnesota. In the clinching Game 5, SGA posted 34 points on 56 percent shooting along with eight assists and seven rebounds. Advertisement He became the third player in NBA history to record ten 30+ point, 5+ assist games in a single postseason, joining only Michael Jordan and LeBron James. Beyond his Western Conference Finals MVP, Shai is also the 2025 regular-season MVP, an honor earned with averages of 32.7 points, 6.4 assists, and five rebounds per game for the 68-win Thunder. He's been the engine behind OKC's remarkable transformation from a 24-win team just three seasons ago to a juggernaut with homecourt advantage in the Finals. The WCF MVP trophy moment was also a full-circle one for the Alexander family. Shai's father played basketball in his youth, and his mother Charmaine, competed in track at the 1992 Olympics. Advertisement The athletic lineage is undeniable and even extended to the opposing team, as SGA's cousin Nickeil Alexander-Walker plays for the Timberwolves. While Vaughn may not have actually won the trophy himself, his support and presence throughout Shai's rise to superstardom is symbolic. In that one playful moment, we saw the years of investment, sacrifice, and belief that fueled one of the NBA's best players. With the Finals looming on June 5 against either the Indiana Pacers or New York Knicks, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder are locked in. If OKC goes on to win the championship, Vaughn may once again have trouble keeping his hands off the next piece of hardware, and this time, maybe he'll have earned a tiny piece of it himself. Advertisement Related: "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Saved The NBA" - Former NBA Player Makes Bold Claim About Copycat League This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on May 29, 2025, where it first appeared.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander wins Magic Johnson Trophy as 2025 Western Conference Finals MVP
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander from the Oklahoma City Thunder created history on Wednesday night. There is no doubt that he has had an amazing season. He was named the NBA's Most Valuable Player (MVP) and made the All-NBA team for the third year in a row. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now After playing brilliantly in the Western Conference Finals against the Minnesota Timberwolves, he also won the Magic Johnson MVP award for that series. SGA has proven to be the best at his sport, and his excellent performance is for the history books now. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander — now the MVP After Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's brilliant career-making-historic performance, he said on ESPN broadcast: "It's a really good feeling, Stuff you dream about as a kid." Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had a great series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, helping the Oklahoma City Thunder reach the NBA Finals. In Game 5, he managed to score 34 points, with 8 assists and 7 rebounds, ensuring a solid win for Thunder by 124-94 to win the series. Over the five games, he averaged 31.4 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 5.2 assists. Even after a bad Game 3 where he only scored 14 points, he bounced back with 40 points in Game 4—his first 40-point game in the playoffs. He also scored 31 and 38 points in the first two games. The Thunder won every game in which he scored over 30 points. Shai was given the Magic Johnson Western Conference Finals MVP award, which started in 2022. Past winners include Stephen Curry (2022), Nikola Jokic (2023), and Luka Doncic (2024). Now, Shai will try to become the first player since Curry in 2015 to win MVP and an NBA title in the same year. The West Champion Oklahoma City Thunders received the Oscar Robertson trophy for the stunning-historic performance on Wednesday night. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The Oklahoma City Thunder are heading to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2012 after beating the Minnesota Timberwolves 124-94. They only need four more wins to become champions for the first time since 1979. Also Read: Led by MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder dominated Game 5 and now wait to face either the Indiana Pacers or New York Knicks. The Finals start June 5 in Oklahoma City.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Oklahoma City Thunder are about to deliver Shai Gilgeous-Alexander a whole bank, says NBA veteran
Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has all that it takes to land one of the most expensive trades in the NBA or have a contract extension with his current team at a hike no one has ever heard before. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Alexander's MVP win on top of leading his team to a record breaking 68-14 and majorly contributing in making his team the No. 1 seed in the NBA playoffs seem to be enough to draw an unbelievable raise. And Former NBA player Quentin Richardson seems to have confirmed the same in his recent comments. NBA veteran on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's future prospects Quentin Richardson said on The Pat McAfee Show recently, 'The Oklahoma City Thunder are about to deliver a whole bank, not the Brinks truck, a whole bank is about to be sitting at Shai's. Very good for him." Commenting on Richardson's remark, an NBA fan wrote on X, 'Better make sure they don't accidentally bump into him in the process or he might flop himself halfway to Dallas.' Another said, 'Shai about to have direct deposit from the Federal Reserve.' Sharing agreement if such a thing takes place, a fan wrote, 'As they should! Shai's been elite—MVP-level season. Thunder locking him down long-term is a no-brainer.' The NBA insiders are of the view that Gilgeous-Alexander would get a massive contract extension raise for the new season and it could be as huge as a whopping $380 million for five years. The Oklahoma City Thunder are currently playing against the Minnesota Timberwolves and lead the series by 3-1. They are just a little away from entering the NBA finals. And the MVP announcement came in between the games, boosting the team and Alexander's confidence even more. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now He is currently leading the league with an average of 32.7 points per game, along with 5.0 rebounds, 6.4 assists, and an impressive 51.9 percent field goal percentage. Also Read: The player recently celebrated his MVP win in a big way. They. He splurged his teammates with expensive gift baskets as a treat for the win and it contained iPhones, Rolex watches, custom jackets and more. The Oklahoma City mayor has also announced a day in the honour of Alexander.
