Shai Gilgeous-Alexander claims MVP after historic NBA Championship season
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had an outstanding 2024-25 NBA season, leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to their first championship with a record of 68-14.
- He earned multiple prestigious awards including the NBA MVP, Finals MVP, scoring title, and various All-NBA honors.
- As a result of his achievements, he became the cover athlete for NBA 2K26, highlighting his status in the league and his influence on basketball culture.
In the summer of 2024, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander represented Canada at the Olympics held in Paris, showcasing his talent on a global stage. Following this impressive international run, he returned to the NBA for the 2024-25 season, where his performance reached unprecedented heights. He led the Oklahoma City Thunder to their first-ever NBA Championship, achieving a remarkable record of 68 wins and only 14 losses. Gilgeous-Alexander's individual statistics during the season were astounding, averaging 32.7 points, 6.4 assists, and five rebounds per game, while also setting a league record with an average victory margin of 12.9 points per game, the highest in league history. Beyond the accolades on the court, he was awarded the MVP award, received All-NBA honors, and was recognized as both the Western Conference Finals MVP and NBA Finals MVP. As a result of his exceptional season, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander signed a record-setting four-year contract extension worth $285 million, further establishing him as a major star in the league. In addition to these accomplishments, he was announced as the cover athlete for NBA 2K26, marking a significant milestone in his career as the first player from the Thunder to feature on the game's cover since Kevin Durant in NBA 2K15. This recognition underscores Gilgeous-Alexander's rapid rise in popularity and influence within the NBA, particularly given his alignment with contemporary culture, fashion, and music as described by Ronnie 2K. The game is set for release in September ahead of the 2025-26 season, with additional pre-order options becoming available shortly. Shai's journey is expected to continue to evolve as he steps into his prime, leading to discussions about his potential as an all-time great. His performance and recognition are not just fleeting moments but part of a larger narrative where he is becoming a prominent figure in the sport's history. The upcoming release of NBA 2K26 will further amplify his presence, connecting the gaming world with sports and a new generation of fans eager to engage with his story and skills on the court. The excitement surrounding Gilgeous-Alexander's career trajectory represents a new chapter in the Thunder franchise and the NBA as a whole, reinforcing the importance of players' influence both on and off the court.