The Oklahoma City Thunder’s 2024-25 NBA season will be remembered for years to come, thanks to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s remarkable achievement of winning both the NBA MVP and Finals MVP awards. This extraordinary feat, accomplished during the Thunder’s dominant championship run, marks the first time in 12 years that a player has claimed both honors in the same season. With his leadership and clutch performances, Gilgeous-Alexander has cemented his place among basketball’s elite and brought the Thunder their first title since relocating from Seattle.
A Season for the Ages: Gilgeous-Alexander’s Historic Double MVP
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, known affectionately as SGA, led the Thunder with a combination of scoring brilliance, playmaking, and unflappable poise. Averaging 32.7 points, 6.4 assists, and five rebounds per game during the regular season, he not only won the scoring title but also secured the league MVP award. His efficiency was off the charts, shooting 51.9% from the field while guiding Oklahoma City to a 68-14 record—the fifth-best win total in NBA history.
The Thunder’s postseason success was equally impressive, with Gilgeous-Alexander elevating his game when it mattered most. In the NBA Finals against the Indiana Pacers, he averaged 30.3 points, 5.6 assists, and 4.6 rebounds across seven games. His defining moment came in Game 4, where he scored 15 of his 35 points in the final five minutes, the most by any player in the last five minutes of a Finals game in at least 50 years.
Despite a tough shooting night in Game 7, Gilgeous-Alexander still managed 29 points and a playoff-career-high 12 assists, proving his value as a complete player. His free-throw shooting and clutch playmaking were instrumental in Oklahoma City’s 103-91 victory, securing both the championship and Finals MVP honors.
Key Point Summary: Why This Achievement Stands Out
- Historic Double MVP: Gilgeous-Alexander is the first player since LeBron James in 2012-13 to win both the NBA MVP and Finals MVP in the same season.
- Scoring Champion and Champion: He is only the fourth player in NBA history—joining Michael Jordan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Shaquille O’Neal—to win the scoring title, regular season MVP, and Finals MVP in the same year.
- Unmatched Regular Season: His 32.7 points per game is the highest ever by a player who won the championship that season, surpassing even Michael Jordan’s 1992-93 mark.
- Clutch Finals Performances: Gilgeous-Alexander’s ability to take over games, especially in crunch time, set him apart throughout the playoffs.
- Young and Hungry Team: At just 26 years old, Gilgeous-Alexander is leading a Thunder squad that still has room to grow, making their future incredibly promising.
The Thunder’s Rise and Gilgeous-Alexander’s Leadership
Oklahoma City’s journey to the championship was anything but easy. After three straight losing seasons, Gilgeous-Alexander emerged as the catalyst for the franchise’s rebuild. His leadership on and off the court has been instrumental in developing a culture of winning and resilience.
The Thunder’s young core, guided by SGA’s steady hand, defied expectations throughout the season. They dominated the Western Conference, earning the top seed and sweeping through the playoffs with confidence. Gilgeous-Alexander’s humility and team-first attitude resonated with fans and teammates alike, making the championship victory a collective triumph.
“This isn’t just a win for me,” Gilgeous-Alexander said after accepting the Finals MVP trophy. “This is a win for my family. This is a win for my friends. This is a win for everyone who was in my corner growing up. This is a win for the fans.” His words captured the spirit of a team that has embraced its city and its supporters with open arms.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s Place in NBA History
With his latest accomplishments, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joins a pantheon of legends. He is now part of an exclusive club that includes Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Larry Bird, Tim Duncan, Shaquille O’Neal, Hakeem Olajuwon, Magic Johnson, Moses Malone, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Willis Reed—players who have won both the MVP and Finals MVP in the same season.
But Gilgeous-Alexander’s achievement is even more rare. He is the first player since Shaquille O’Neal in 2000 to sweep the scoring title, regular season MVP, and Finals MVP in a single season. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver highlighted this historic feat during the trophy presentation, noting that it may be decades before another player reaches this pinnacle.
Looking Ahead: The Future of the Thunder
The Thunder’s championship run is just the beginning. With a roster full of young talent and a superstar in his prime, Oklahoma City is poised for sustained success. Gilgeous-Alexander himself acknowledged the team’s potential for growth, saying, “We definitely still have room to grow and that’s the fun part of this. So many of us can still get better.”
Fans can look forward to more thrilling basketball as the Thunder continue to develop and chase more titles. For now, though, they can savor the moment and celebrate a season that will be remembered as one of the greatest in NBA history.
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