Shai Gilgeous-Alexander‘s unforgettable 2025 campaign has reached another milestone as the Oklahoma City Thunder guard was named the Magic Johnson Western Conference Finals MVP on Wednesday night.
The 26-year-old Canadian added this latest honor after leading his team past the Minnesota Timberwolves in a commanding five-game series, pushing the Thunder into their first NBA Finals in over a decade.
Gilgeous-Alexander, who had already secured the league MVP award earlier this month, became the first player ever to win both the NBA MVP and the Western Conference Finals MVP in the same year since the latter was introduced in 2022. His performance throughout the series left no doubt, as he earned the award unanimously.
Across the five games, Gilgeous-Alexander averaged an imposing 31.4 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game. In the series-clinching Game 5 blowout win, he delivered 34 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds, putting the Thunder on his back as they stormed to a 124-94 victory.
Dominance in every aspect
While Game 3 was an off-night by his standards – scoring just 14 points – Gilgeous-Alexander bounced back emphatically in Game 4 with a playoff career-high 40 points.
That explosion gave Oklahoma City a 3-1 series lead and reasserted his position as the most unstoppable force on the court. In the Thunder‘s four wins, he posted at least 31 points each night, demonstrating not just scoring prowess, but consistency and leadership under pressure.
BREAKING: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the Most Valuable Player of the 2025 Western Conference Finals pic.twitter.com/xfpFmceoEs
? NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 29, 2025
“It’s a really good feeling,” Gilgeous-Alexander told ESPN after the game. “Stuff you dream about as a kid.”
His father, Vaughn Alexander, was on hand at Paycom Center to witness the moment. During the celebration, he clutched the MVP trophy proudly as his son posed for photos.
“You’re acting like it’s yours,” Shai joked, watching his dad cradle the trophy before letting out a laugh as Vaughn walked away with it.
SGA having one of the greatest seasons we’ve ever witnessed:
– All-Star starter
– Scoring Title
– Regular Season MVP
– WCF MVP
– All-NBA 1st Team
– 1st seed in the entire league (68-14)
– Potential Finals MVP
– Potential NBA Championship pic.twitter.com/FrGQrsHL8O? The Hood Therapist (@OhhMar24) May 29, 2025
Gilgeous-Alexander‘s breakout season included a league-leading 32.7 points per game in the regular season, while shooting nearly 52 percent from the field. He also added 6.4 assists and 5.9 rebounds per contest, and was named to the All-NBA First Team for the third consecutive year.
Oklahoma City will now await the winner of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks. Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Finals is set for June 5 in OKC.
If Gilgeous-Alexander continues this torrid run, he could be in line to win the NBA Finals MVP as well – a feat that would cement this season as one of the most decorated campaigns in modern NBA history.
Read the full article here
