The Oklahoma City Thunder are on their way to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2012 after defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves in blowout fashion on Wednesday night.
Superstar guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continued to remind everyone why he was the league's Most Valuable Player, scoring 34 points while dishing out eight assists and grabbing seven rebounds.
The Thunder now await to find out who their opponent from the Eastern Conference will be. The Indiana Pacers are up 3-1 on the New York Knicks.
NBA Champion reveals why fans use narrative against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
While Gilgeous-Alexander continues to perform night in and night out, some out there are still not convinced on him, often calling him a free-throw merchant.
Former Thunder center and champion with the Boston Celtics, Kendrick Perkins, believes he has the answer as to why people still don't give Gilgeous-Alexander the credit he deserves.
"We used to applaud Kobe, [Michael Jordan], Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce for being able to get to the free throw line... people are trying to create a narrative because you can't stop him," said Perkins.
Based on his performances, it doesn't seem like Gilgeous-Alexander ever lets the outside noise impact him. He's proven that by averaging 29.8 points, 5.7 rebounds and 6.9 assists during this postseason run.
Even if the Thunder win the title, and based on DraftKings' odds, they're likely to, there will still be some out there who will refuse to give Gilgeous-Alexander his credit. Those types of narratives come and go. Hanging a banner is forever.