Shai Gilgeous-Alexander stepped off the court for the final time this season, embraced coach Mark Daigneault, and let out a long-awaited smile. The journey was complete.
Oklahoma City’s rebuild had reached its pinnacle — the Thunder are NBA champions.
After dominating all season, the Thunder proved they were the league’s best when it mattered most, capturing their first NBA title with a 103–91 win over the Indiana Pacers in Game 7 of the Finals on Sunday night. Gilgeous-Alexander capped off his MVP campaign with 29 points and 12 assists, leading the way as Indiana suffered a major blow early with Tyrese Haliburton exiting due to a severe leg injury.
“It doesn’t feel real,” said Gilgeous-Alexander, who was named Finals MVP. “All the hours, the highs and lows, the nights of doubt and the nights of belief — this team earned it. We worked for this moment.”
