Latest news with #ShaiGilgeous-Alexander
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Grading Thunder Players vs. Pacers: Shai Captures Finals MVP In Historical Game 7 Performance
Grading Thunder Players vs. Pacers: Shai Captures Finals MVP In Historical Game 7 Performance originally appeared on Fadeaway World. The Oklahoma City Thunder capped a dream season with a 103-91 win over the Indiana Pacers in Game 7 of the NBA Finals on Sunday, capturing the first championship in franchise history since relocating from Seattle in 2008. The victory was fittingly sealed by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the 2024-25 regular season MVP, who delivered yet another superstar performance under pressure with 29 points, 12 assists, and five rebounds. Game 7, the 20th in NBA Finals history, was marred early by the loss of Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton, who exited in the first quarter with what was later described by his father as a suspected Achilles injury. Already battling a calf strain, Haliburton's absence robbed Indiana of its floor general and emotional leader. Despite that devastating blow, the Pacers showed the same grit that defined their playoff run, clawing their way to a 48-47 halftime lead behind the efforts of Bennedict Mathurin, who led the team with 24 points off the bench. But the Thunder, known all season for their ferocious pace, youth, and defense, flipped the game in the third quarter. Their intensity forced eight Pacers turnovers in the period, which they converted into 18 points during a game-changing 34-20 run. In total, Indiana coughed up the ball 23 times, leading to 32 Thunder points, ultimately the defining stat of the night. Oklahoma City's defense smothered the Pacers, holding them to just 41.4% from the field and limiting them to a postseason-low 91 points. The win marks the culmination of a historic campaign for Oklahoma City, who posted a franchise-best 68 regular season victories and the best scoring differential in NBA history at +12.9 points per game. Their 16-7 playoff run included two gritty Game 7 victories and a Finals performance that validated their rise as the league's next great team. Let's provide a rating for every Thunder player who made the court tonight, and the performances from some were simply outstanding. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: A+ Stats: 29 PTS, 5 REB (0 OREB, 5 DREB), 12 AST, 1 STL, 2 BLK, 1 TO, 5 PF, 8-27 FG, 2-12 3PT, 11-12 FT, +11, 40 MIN Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a signature performance to clinch the Thunder's first NBA championship, overcoming an inefficient shooting night (8-of-27 FG, 2-of-12 3PT) with elite playmaking, composure, and relentless pressure. He controlled the game with 12 assists and drew contact at will, knocking down 11-of-12 free throws. SGA added five rebounds, two blocks, and a key steal while staying on the floor for 40 minutes. Despite the rough shooting, his +11 plus-minus and poise down the stretch highlight his MVP pedigree. Chet Holmgren: A+ Stats: 18 PTS, 8 REB (2 OREB, 6 DREB), 0 AST, 1 STL, 5 BLK, 0 TO, 3 PF, 6-8 FG, 1-2 3PT, 5-8 FT, +10, 31 MIN Chet Holmgren was a defensive fortress and a model of efficiency, scoring 18 points on just eight shots while swatting away five Pacers attempts. His 6-of-8 shooting included a clutch three and multiple soft finishes inside, and he went to the line for eight free throws. His eight rebounds and presence at the rim discouraged Indiana's interior attack, and his +10 in 31 minutes showed how impactful he was on both ends. The rookie's poise in Game 7 belied his age. Jalen Williams: A Stats: 20 PTS, 4 REB (0 OREB, 4 DREB), 4 AST, 2 STL, 0 BLK, 1 TO, 4 PF, 7-20 FG, 2-7 3PT, 4-6 FT, +13, 38 MIN Jalen Williams added timely buckets and defensive intensity in a gritty Game 7 showing. Though his 7-of-20 shooting wasn't pretty, he racked up 20 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals while maintaining aggression throughout. His ability to attack off the bounce and make plays in the midrange helped stabilize the Thunder's offense when SGA struggled early. Williams' +13 plus-minus reflected his steady two-way contributions. Alex Caruso: A- Stats: 10 PTS, 3 REB (2 OREB, 1 DREB), 0 AST, 3 STL, 1 BLK, 0 TO, 3 PF, 4-10 FG, 2-5 3PT, 0-0 FT, +8, 32 MIN Alex Caruso's Game 7 performance was classic Caruso, tough, timely, and clutch. He drilled two threes and scored 10 points, but his value came on the defensive end, where he grabbed three steals, blocked a shot, and consistently hounded Indiana's guards. He didn't record an assist, but his off-ball cuts and spacing were valuable. His +8 in 32 minutes speaks to his winning impact without stuffing the box score. Isaiah Hartenstein: B+ Stats: 7 PTS, 9 REB (3 OREB, 6 DREB), 4 AST, 1 STL, 0 BLK, 2 TO, 0 PF, 3-4 FG, 0-0 3PT, 1-3 FT, +1, 18 MIN Hartenstein played just 18 minutes, but he made them count, pulling down nine rebounds (three offensive) and dishing out four assists while scoring seven points. He anchored the second unit with physicality, smart passing, and efficient finishing (3-of-4 FG). His presence allowed OKC to rest Holmgren without losing interior size or rebounding, and his zero fouls ensured the Pacers couldn't exploit him in pick-and-roll action. Luguentz Dort: B+ Stats: 9 PTS, 7 REB (3 OREB, 4 DREB), 0 AST, 3 STL, 0 BLK, 1 TO, 3 PF, 3-10 FG, 2-9 3PT, 1-2 FT, +12, 35 MIN Dort brought his trademark defense and energy to the floor, grabbing seven boards (three offensive) and pestering Indiana's ball handlers into mistakes. He shot just 3-of-10 from the field and 2-of-9 from deep, but still finished +12 on the night due to his hustle plays, physical screens, and defensive tone-setting. He didn't have an assist, but his defensive focus outweighed his offensive limitations in this one. Cason Wallace: B+ Stats: 10 PTS, 2 REB (2 OREB, 0 DREB), 0 AST, 3 STL, 0 BLK, 1 TO, 3 PF, 4-6 FG, 2-3 3PT, 0-0 FT, +7, 26 MIN Wallace played tough, mistake-free basketball off the bench, contributing 10 points on an efficient 4-of-6 shooting while knocking down two threes. His three steals came from smart anticipation and pressure defense, and his +7 in 26 minutes gave the Thunder a needed boost when SGA sat. He didn't rack up assists or boards, but his two-way activity helped OKC maintain control during critical stretches. Aaron Wiggins: C+ Stats: 0 PTS, 1 REB (0 OREB, 1 DREB), 0 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 1 PF, 0-1 FG, 0-1 3PT, 0-0 FT, +11, 12 MIN Wiggins had a quiet outing, logging 12 minutes and attempting just one shot. He pulled down a defensive rebound and committed one foul, but largely stayed out of the action. Still, he finished +11 thanks to his positioning and team defense during key minutes in the first half. His limited impact didn't hurt the Thunder, but he wasn't a major factor in the win either. Dillon Jones: N/A Stats: 0 PTS, 0 REB, 0 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 1 PF, 0-0 FG, 0-0 3PT, 0-0 FT, -4, 1 MIN Jones played just one minute in garbage time, registering no counting stats except for a single foul. His -4 plus-minus came during the final possessions of the game and didn't affect the outcome. It was more of a ceremonial appearance for the rookie than a true playoff contribution. Ousmane Dieng: N/A Stats: 0 PTS, 0 REB, 0 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 0 PF, 0-0 FG, 0-0 3PT, 0-0 FT, -4, 1 MIN Like Jones, Dieng entered in the closing seconds of the blowout and didn't register any stats. His -4 plus-minus was a result of mop-up duty and shouldn't be used to evaluate his overall playoff showing. Kenrich Williams: N/A Stats: 0 PTS, 1 REB (1 OREB, 0 DREB), 0 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 0 PF, 0-1 FG, 0-1 3PT, 0-0 FT, -1, 5 MIN Williams logged five minutes and pulled down an offensive board, missing his only shot attempt. Though he didn't have time to make a major imprint on the game, he brought veteran toughness and helped hold the lead steady during a short first-half stretch. Ajay Mitchell: N/A Stats: 0 PTS, 0 REB, 0 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 1 TO, 0 PF, 0-0 FG, 0-0 3PT, 0-0 FT, -4, 1 MIN Mitchell played one minute and had a single turnover, otherwise failing to register any other stats. The rookie got a taste of the Finals stage but didn't figure into the Thunder's rotation in any meaningful story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jun 23, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: I'm The Best Player In The World
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: I'm The Best Player In The World originally appeared on Fadeaway World. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Oklahoma City Thunder to their first NBA championship with his 29-point performance in their 103-91 win over the Indiana Pacers in Game 7. He was awarded the Bill Russell Finals MVP Award after averaging 30.3 points, 5.6 assists, and 4.6 rebounds in seven games of the NBA Finals. Following the celebrations and press conference, Gilgeous-Alexander sat down for an exclusive interview with ESPN's Malika Andrews. Here's how their conversation went about Gilgeous-Alexander's claim to being the best player in the world. "Inevitably, the conversation after someone wins a Finals MVP it always turns to it; that player can claim being the best player in the world. Are you ready to take that title?" "Yeah, for sure, it's another goal of mine to stand at the top of the mountain. The way I have this year has been pretty fun, it's definitely one of the things I want to check off my list." Andrews: "Can you say you've checked it off?" SGA: "Sure, why not?" SGA On Joining Elite List With Michael Jordan, Shaquille O'Neal, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is now the fourth player in NBA history to win the regular season MVP award, the scoring champion in the season, and the Finals MVP Award in the same season. It was first accomplished by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (1971), then followed by Michael Jordan doing it four times with the Bulls (1991, 1992, 1996, and 1998) and Shaquille O'Neal (2000). When Robin Roberts of Good Morning America asked him how he felt about this, Gilgeous-Alexander gave a humble response. 'Yeah, it's hard for me to even wrap my head around. But it just goes to show like when you work hard, when you focus on the right things, when you take care of the right things, and you stick with that program for a certain amount of time, you can achieve anything. Most importantly, when you dream and go after it that anything is possible.' Is Gilgeous-Alexander The Best Player In The World? Having won both the Michael Jordan MVP Award and the Bill Russell Finals MVP Award, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is undoubtedly at the pinnacle of basketball at the moment, the 'top of the mountain,' as he put it. However, being the best player in the world is something that cannot be constant all the time. While he may be the most accomplished, one could argue that he is not the most skilled individually. Basketball is a team sport, but unfortunately, its comparisons usually come down to individual matchups. Winning the MVP award means he was the best player on the best team in the NBA this season. However, statistically, Nikola Jokic, Gilgeous-Alexander's competitor for the MVP Award, had a much better all-around performance than he did. Nikola Jokic averaged 29.0 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 9.9 assists in 84 games he played in the 2025 regular season and playoffs, nearly a triple-double. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 32.0 points, 6.4 assists, and 5.1 rebounds in 99 games played in the 2025 regular season and playoffs. Therefore, in my conclusion, Gilgeous-Alexander is the most accomplished basketball player in the world at the moment, but he is not the most skilled player story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jun 24, 2025, where it first appeared.
Toronto Sun
2 days ago
- Sport
- Toronto Sun
Hamilton to hold rally for NBA MVP and champion Gilgeous-Alexander
Will be recognized on Thursday Aug. 7 at "Shai Rally Day" in Hamilton. Get the latest from Ryan Wolstat straight to your inbox Published Jul 21, 2025 • Last updated 2 minutes ago • 1 minute read Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder celebrates with the Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player trophy. Getty Images Canada's king of the court has won just about everything possible this year, but is about to receive another honour. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who was born in Toronto but claims Hamilton as his home, will be recognized on Thursday Aug. 7 at 'Shai Rally Day' in Hamilton. Gilgeous-Alexander was named NBA MVP after finishing second last season (Steve Nash was the only Canadian to previously win the award), and helped Oklahoma City win its first NBA title last month after a stirring playoff run. He was also named NBA Finals MVP and led the league in scoring in the regular season. Gilgeous-Alexander also took home the ESPY last month as best male athlete. The rally will start at 3:30 p.m. at Hamilton Stadium, Hamilton mayor Andrea Horwath will present Gilgeous-Alexander with the key to the city there. Later he'll make an appearance at the Canadian Football League game between the Tiger-Cats and B.C. Lions. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'I'm absolutely thrilled to bring Shai Rally Day to Hamilton,' Horwath said in a release. 'This is our city's official celebration of NBA Champion, NBA MVP, NBA Finals MVP, NBA Scoring Champion, ESPY Best Athlete — Men's Sports, and proud Hamiltonian, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.' Gilgeous-Alexander makes his off-season home in Hamilton with his wife and son. Previously, a mural and commemorative banner went up Gilgeous-Alexander's former high school in Hamilton, Sir Allan MacNab Secondary. Read More Celebrity Canada Toronto & GTA Other Sports World
Edmonton Journal
2 days ago
- Sport
- Edmonton Journal
Hamilton to hold rally for NBA MVP and champion Gilgeous-Alexander
Canada's king of the court has won just about everything possible this year, but is about to receive another honour. Article content Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who was born in Toronto but claims Hamilton as his home, will be recognized on Thursday Aug. 7 at 'Shai Rally Day' in Hamilton. Article content Gilgeous-Alexander was named NBA MVP after finishing second last season (Steve Nash was the only Canadian to previously win the award), and helped Oklahoma City win its first NBA title last month after a stirring playoff run. He was also named NBA Finals MVP and led the league in scoring in the regular season. Article content Later he'll make an appearance at the Canadian Football League game between the Tiger-Cats and B.C. Lions. Article content 'I'm absolutely thrilled to bring Shai Rally Day to Hamilton,' Horwath said in a release. 'This is our city's official celebration of NBA Champion, NBA MVP, NBA Finals MVP, NBA Scoring Champion, ESPY Best Athlete — Men's Sports, and proud Hamiltonian, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.' Article content
Hamilton Spectator
3 days ago
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
City of Hamilton to hold ‘Shai Rally Day' for NBA's Gilgeous-Alexander on Aug. 7
HAMILTON - The City of Hamilton has big plans to honour hometown NBA superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. A celebration of Gilgeous-Alexander will be held Thursday, Aug. 7, and is dubbed as 'Shai Rally Day.' The 26-year-old won the NBA's MVP award, the regular-season scoring title, NBA Finals MVP and his first NBA title with the Oklahoma City Thunder this past season. He's the second Canadian in NBA history to win league MVP, joining Steve Nash. He was also awarded best male athlete at the ESPYs last Wednesday. The celebration will include a free public rally at 3:30 p.m. at Hamilton Stadium, with Mayor Andrea Horwath presenting Gilgeous-Alexander with the key to the city. Later that day, he will be recognized during the Hamilton Tiger-Cats' home game against the B.C. Lions at 7:30 p.m. 'I'm absolutely thrilled to bring Shai Rally Day to Hamilton,' Horwath said in a release. 'This is our city's official celebration of NBA Champion, NBA MVP, NBA Finals MVP, NBA Scoring Champion, ESPY Best Athlete – Men's Sports, and proud Hamiltonian, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 21, 2025.
