In a franchise full of stars like Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden, it’s no small feat to rise above the legends.
Yet in the 2024–25 NBA season, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has done just that.
With the season coming to an end after an electrifying NBA Finals, SGA has officially solidified himself as the greatest player in Oklahoma City Thunder history.
Kevin Durant came close in 2012 but fell short. Russell Westbrook dazzled with MVP numbers and triple-doubles, but postseason success eluded him. Even with James Harden and Paul George in the mix during various eras, OKC never reached the top.
Everything changed for the Thunder after trading away Paul George. They gained a superstar in SGA and were able to draft Jalen Williams with a first-round pick they gained from the Clippers.
A Year of Dominance
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder to a franchise-record 68 wins this season. No OKC team had ever reached that mark. In addition, he led the league in scoring, consistently demonstrating a killer instinct night after night.
He joined an elite company by earning the 2025 NBA MVP. Unlike past Thunder stars, SGA turned individual brilliance into real team success. He didn’t just collect stats; he elevated the entire roster.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has done what no Thunder player ever had. He led the team to an NBA championship. From the opening round to the Finals, he never backed down. He controlled the pace, found his spots, and made everyone around him better.
SGA isn’t just an offensive threat. He is one of the NBA’s best two-way players. Shai finished the regular season tied for No. 4 in steals per game with 1.7. He also made NBA Finals history as the first guard to have 10+ blocks and 10+ steals in a Finals series.
Young stars flourished beside him. Veterans trusted him. Coaches leaned on him. SGA wasn’t just the best player; he was the heartbeat of the team.
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A Franchise Icon
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined NBA immortality this season. He became only the fourth player in league history to win Finals MVP, regular season MVP, and the scoring title in the same year. That exclusive list includes only Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Now, SGA stands beside them.
He owned every moment from opening night to the final buzzer of Game 7. Not many players have reached the level SGA has.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is only 26 years old and has plenty more years to add to his legacy. He’s done it all with composure, consistency, and a leadership style beyond his years.
His resume rivals that of seasoned legends. Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook each had legendary runs, but neither brought home a championship. Shai has done it.
That’s why the conversation is over. Even this early in his career, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander stands as the greatest player in Oklahoma City Thunder history, and he’s just getting started.
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