Latest news with #WestFinalsMVP
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander reflects on ‘dark times' amid Thunder's NBA Finals return
The post Shai Gilgeous-Alexander reflects on 'dark times' amid Thunder's NBA Finals return appeared first on ClutchPoints. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had to persevere through dark times before becoming the star player he is for the Oklahoma City Thunder. Advertisement Gilgeous-Alexander joined the Thunder in the second season of his NBA career, following a trade that saw him and multiple players go from the Los Angeles Clippers to Oklahoma City in exchange for Paul George. This had him adapt to a different situation, igniting the fire that allowed him to become one of the best players in the league. The star guard helped the Thunder reach the 2025 NBA Finals after winning 124-94 against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals, taking the series 4-1. He also won the West Finals MVP, as he got to reflect on his accomplishments with the team since he became a member in 2019. 'I just want to shout out these fans. They've been here since the couple years I got here. There's some really dark times in this arena, not fun times, and these fans have been by our side, through thick and thin, so we appreciate them, first and foremost. And then, of course, I want to thank my teammates. Without them, I'm nothing. Clear as day. I don't have 124 points by myself,' Gilgeous-Alexander said. What's next for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Timberwolves Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was more than deserving of the West Finals MVP Award, dominating the Timberwolves throughout Game 5 and the series. Advertisement In 34 minutes of action, Gilgeous-Alexander finished with a stat line of 34 points, eight assists, seven rebounds, and two steals. He shot 14-of-25 from the field, including 2-of-4 from beyond the arc, and 4-of-4 from the free-throw line. By the series' end, he produced 31.4 points, 8.2 assists, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game. Oklahoma City returns to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2012, their fifth overall. They now have the opportunity to win their first title since the franchise relocated from Seattle in 2008. As both the regular-season MVP and West Finals MVP, Gilgeous-Alexander will be ready for the challenge. The Thunder will prepare for Game 1 of the NBA Finals, where they will meet the East Finals winner between the New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers. The contest will take place on June 5 at 8:30 p.m. ET.
USA Today
30-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Kevin Durant shows love to Thunder after NBA Finals berth: 'They are historically great'
Kevin Durant shows love to Thunder after NBA Finals berth: 'They are historically great' As the Oklahoma City Thunder received their Western Conference champion shirts and hats, former ghosts reappeared throughout social media. From Serge Ibaka to Darius Bazley to Isaiah Roby, ex-players chipped in to congratulate the franchise for returning to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2012. Celebrating the West Finals MVP trophy, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander could make a serious argument for the greatest Thunder player ever if they win one more playoff series. One player that is seen as a popular answer to that question is Kevin Durant. While the 36-year-old doesn't have the best relationship with the fanbase after he controversially left OKC, he still showed love for the 2024-25 Thunder squad that set a franchise-best 68-14 record and had an all-time-best plus-12.9 point differential. "This 2025 Thunder team, they are historically great. Great shooting all across the board, efficient go-to scorer in deuce, size and athleticism all across the board, versatility, shooting big and bruiser big, great coaching," Durant wrote on social media. "Just a flat out perfectly crafted unit. I fuck with their approach to basketball. They are putting together great film to learn from." Durant was asked who'd win in a hypothetical matchup between his 2012 Thunder squad that went to the NBA Finals and this year's version. He didn't bite for the bait and instead pivoted to how historically dominant OKC has been this year. It cruised through the West playoffs with a 12-4 record and several blowouts in between. Good to see Durant recognized that. Any bitter feelings he has towards the franchise or fanbase appear long gone. That happens when it's been nearly a decade. I guess time does eventually heal most wounds.
