When the Oklahoma City Thunder snagged Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with the 11th pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, they knew they were getting a talented guard. But an MVP? A guy who’d have the Thunder two wins away from their first NBA Finals trip since 2012? Even the sharpest scouts couldn’t have predicted the meteoric rise of SGA. On Thursday, before OKC’s 118-103 beatdown of the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals, Gilgeous-Alexander officially claimed his MVP trophy, cementing his place among the game’s elite. And let me tell you, this guy’s journey is the kind of story that gives basketball fans chills.
Back in his rookie year, Shai was already showing flashes, holding his own as a quality rotation player for the Clippers before being shipped to OKC as a key piece in the blockbuster Paul George trade—a deal that’s still paying dividends for the Thunder. By his second season, he was soaking up wisdom from future Hall of Famer Chris Paul, locking in as an everyday starter. Year 3? He was the Thunder’s best player, no question. And from there, it’s been a relentless climb, fueled by a work ethic that’s practically legendary. This isn’t a guy who coasts on talent—Shai’s the type to hit the gym, study film, and keep grinding, year after year, until he’s not just good, but great.
That greatness was on full display in Game 2. Gilgeous-Alexander went off for 38 points, slicing through Minnesota’s defense like it was a warm-up drill. He wasn’t just scoring—he was frustrating the Timberwolves at every turn, dictating the pace and showing why he’s the MVP. The dude’s got that rare mix of poise and killer instinct, making tough shots look easy and locking down opponents with his length and smarts. It’s the kind of performance that has Thunder fans dreaming of a Finals run and reminds everyone why OKC built their future around him.
After the game, Shai got reflective, sharing a message to his younger self that hit right in the feels. “I’m very proud,” he said in the postgame presser, as shared by the NBA’s official X account. “I’m glad he never gave up. I’m glad he listened to the right people. And I’m glad for those people giving me that advice, what they did throughout the years. They know who they are, and I’m very appreciative.” You can hear the gratitude in his voice—for the mentors like Chris Paul, for the Thunder organization that believed in him, and for his own relentless drive to keep pushing.
Now, with OKC up 2-0 in the series, Gilgeous-Alexander is two wins away from leading this young Thunder squad to the NBA Finals—a stage they haven’t touched since Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden were wearing OKC jerseys. At 26, Shai’s playing like he’s been here before, but he’s also carrying the hunger of someone who knows this is just the beginning. The Thunder aren’t just a feel-good story; they’re a legit contender, and SGA’s MVP-level play is the engine driving them. Whether it’s his silky-smooth drives, his clutch shot-making, or his ability to take over games, Gilgeous-Alexander is showing the world he’s not just a star—he’s the guy who can carry a franchise to a championship. Keep your eyes on OKC, because Shai’s got them looking like a team ready to make history.
