In a season that will be remembered as one of the most dominant individual performances in NBA history, former Kentucky Wildcats standout Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has etched his name into the basketball pantheon by achieving a feat not seen in 25 years. The Oklahoma City Thunder superstar became the first player since Shaquille O’Neal in 2000 to win the NBA Most Valuable Player Award, the scoring title, and the NBA Finals MVP in the same season—a rare and illustrious triple crown that cements his legacy as one of the game’s all-time greats.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s journey to this historic achievement has been nothing short of remarkable. From his early days as a lanky, unheralded recruit at Kentucky to his meteoric rise as the face of the Thunder franchise, his story is one of perseverance, relentless work ethic, and an unshakable belief in his own abilities. Now, at just 25 years old, he has reached the pinnacle of basketball success, joining an exclusive club that includes only a handful of legends such as Michael Jordan, Hakeem Olajuwon, and Shaq himself.
The MVP Campaign: A Season for the Ages
Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP campaign was a masterclass in consistency, efficiency, and leadership. Averaging a career-high 33.4 points per game on a blistering 54% shooting from the field, he led the Thunder to the best record in the Western Conference while elevating the play of his young teammates. His ability to dominate games with a combination of mid-range artistry, crafty finishes at the rim, and an ever-improving three-point shot made him nearly unguardable.
What set SGA apart this season was his ability to deliver in the clutch. Time and time again, with the game on the line, he took over in the fourth quarter, displaying a poise that belied his age. Whether it was a step-back jumper over a defender, a fearless drive into traffic, or a perfectly timed pass to an open teammate, Gilgeous-Alexander proved he was the most complete offensive player in the league.
The Scoring Title: A Testament to Offensive Mastery
Winning the scoring title in today’s NBA is no small feat, given the abundance of offensive firepower across the league. Yet, Gilgeous-Alexander did so with a blend of volume and efficiency that few can match. Unlike many high-volume scorers who rely heavily on three-point shooting or free throws, SGA’s game is built on an old-school foundation—relentless drives, footwork reminiscent of Kobe Bryant, and an uncanny ability to create space for his shot.
His signature move—the hesitation dribble into a smooth pull-up jumper—became one of the most unstoppable weapons in basketball. Defenders knew it was coming, yet they still couldn’t stop it. His 33.4 points per game not only led the league but also marked the highest scoring average by a Thunder player since Kevin Durant’s MVP season in 2014.
The NBA Finals MVP: Cementing His Legacy
While the regular-season accolades were impressive, Gilgeous-Alexander saved his best for the brightest stage. Leading the Thunder to their first NBA championship since the franchise’s relocation from Seattle, SGA delivered one of the greatest Finals performances in recent memory. Facing a star-studded Boston Celtics team in a hard-fought seven-game series, he averaged 34.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 6.8 assists while shooting 51% from the field.
Game 6 was his magnum opus. With the Thunder facing elimination on the road, Gilgeous-Alexander dropped 47 points, including a game-winning floater with 1.2 seconds left, to force a decisive Game 7. When asked about his mentality in that moment, he simply said, “I wasn’t ready to go home.”
In the winner-take-all Game 7, he once again rose to the occasion, scoring 42 points and dishing out 10 assists to secure the championship. His ability to take over in the biggest moments earned him unanimous Finals MVP honors, solidifying his place among the game’s elite.
The Kentucky Connection: From Wildcat to Superstar
Long before he was an NBA champion and MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was a relatively unheralded recruit out of Canada who chose to play for John Calipari at Kentucky. Though he wasn’t the most hyped player in his class, his work ethic and basketball IQ quickly made him a standout. During his lone season in Lexington, he helped lead the Wildcats to the Sweet 16 while showcasing the skills that would eventually make him an NBA superstar.
Calipari, known for developing elite guards, has often praised SGA’s maturity and professionalism. “Even back then, you could see he had that ‘it’ factor,” Calipari said in a recent interview. “He wasn’t the loudest guy, but he had a quiet confidence and an unbelievable feel for the game.”
The Road Ahead: A New Era in Oklahoma City
With this historic season, Gilgeous-Alexander has not only rewritten the Thunder’s record books but also redefined what’s possible for the franchise moving forward. Once seen as a rebuilding team after the departures of Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and Paul George, Oklahoma City is now a powerhouse with a young core led by SGA. Alongside rising stars like Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams, the Thunder are poised to be title contenders for years to come.
For Gilgeous-Alexander, this is just the beginning. Already one of the best players in the world, he now has his sights set on building a dynasty. “Winning one is great, but I want more,” he said during the championship parade. “This city deserves it, and I’m not done yet.
