It has been a dominant season thus far for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder and that has continued into the playoffs.
Oklahoma City currently finds themselves in the Western Conference Finals where they were able to take a 2-0 lead in the series at home in Game 2 on Thursday night.
Of course, the Thunder used a dominant second half to win Game 1 of the series on Tuesday night and they were able to keep things rolling in Game 2 as they defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 119-103 on Thursday.
Shai led the way for the Thunder in Thursday’s victory as he dropped 38 points, three rebounds, eight assists and three steals.
Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
This came after he was given the NBA MVP award before the game by commissioner Adam Silver after the NBA announced that he had won the award on Wednesday night.
With Shai receiving the Michael Jordan Trophy, current San Antonio Spurs and former Thunder point guard Chris Paul was in attendance to watch his former teammate receive the award.
“Had to come see Shai raise it up in front of the fans,” Paul said about being in attendance for Shai’s MVP trophy presentation on Thursday.
After the game, Shai praised Paul for their friendship through the years and also made a clear statement regarding the legendary point guard.
“Not only like a big brother, a mentor, but just like a friend,” Shai said about Paul after Thursday’s Game 2 victory.
Of course, Paul played one season in Oklahoma City during the 2019-20 season, Shai’s first season with the franchise after they acquired him from the Los Angeles Clippers in the Paul George trade.
USA: Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul (3) dribbles the ball down the court against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) during the second half at Paycom Center.
USA: Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul (3) dribbles the ball down the court against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) during the second half at Paycom Center.
© Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
While Paul and Shai played only one year together, it is clear that the veteran guard had a major impact on the Thunder’s superstar and they have also built a relationship through the years.
Shai and the Thunder will now look to build off Thursday’s victory as they try to take a commanding 3-0 series lead with a victory in Minnesota on Saturday night.