Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is on the fast track to greatness at just 26 years old. Tonight, after helping lead the Thunder to victory in Game 5, he was named the MVP of the Western Conference as his team advanced to the NBA Finals.
"A couple of years when I got here, there were some really dark times in this arena, not fun times, and these fans have been by our side through thick and thin," said Shai after winning Conference Finals MVP. "Of course, I want to thank my teammates. Without them, I am nothing, clear as day. I don't have 124 points by myself. I love these guys to death, but with all that being said, this is a step in the right direction, but we have a lot more work to do, and we know that. So buckle up and get ready."
It was an encouraging message from the NBA's reigning MVP, who has now taken the throne as the MVP of the West Conference Finals. He joins a growing list of previous award-winners, including Stephen Curry, Nikola Jokic, and Luka Doncic. He's the first to win it after the regular-season MVP and could become the first player ever to win three MVPs in a season (regular season, Western Conference, and NBA Finals).
Against the Timberwolves, he scored 157 through five games for an average of 31.4 points, along with 5.2 rebounds and 8.2 assists per game in the series. Minnesota had no answers for his dominance, especially on the free-throw line, where he averaged 9.5 attempts per game.
In many ways, it was Shai's stepping-out moment into a different level of stardom, but it was also the continuation of what he was doing in the regular season. From October to April, the Thunder had the best record in the league (68-14), and Shai was a big part of it with averages of 32.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game on 51.9% shooting.
As an MVP, 3x All-Star, and 3x All-NBA player, it's clear that Shai is on a Hall-of-Fame trajectory at just 26 years old. By the end of this season, with two trophies and a trip to the Finals already in the books, Gilgeous-Alexander may be in consideration for the greatest player in Thunder history.
Before he sets his ambitions too high, however, Shai still has work to be done in their current playoff run. After beating the Timberwolves, they have reason to celebrate, but their next test may be the hardest of all. Whether it's the New York Knicks or the red-hot Indiana Pacers, the Finals could prove to be a major obstacle, and the Thunder will not take it lightly.
Whether they win or lose, however, this season from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will forever be celebrated by Thunder fans, but it's only just the beginning. With another two years and $78 million on his deal, he's got years left to continue this run. By all accounts, Shai has the potential to lead a Thunder dynasty in the West that could put his career on par with some of the all-time greats.
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