The Oklahoma City Thunder has completed an incredible season that claims its first NBA title in franchise history and overcomes all the odds.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander won his perfect season and gave an outstanding Final MVP performance after winning the regular season MVP award.
The Thunder Championship Run proved that young talent and determination can overcome experiences when they matter most.
In the final, overshadowed by Tyreese Halliburton’s injury, Shy Gilgauss Alexander had 29 points and 12 assists in the decisive game.
His performance secured him in basketball history alongside LeBron James. SGA became the first player since LeBron in 2013 to win both MVP and Final MVP in the same season.
This unusual achievement instantly lifted him into a great conversation, and his teammates and opponents noticed his exceptional season.
Former LeBron teammate Alex Caruso spoke about Gilgauss Alexander’s achievements after the finals were over.
Caruso believes that the SGA is a team leader and proves that it can be both the face of the NBA.
“Yeah, I think comparing it to LeBron is a crazy start because LeBron was anointed at age 18 and outweighed everything that he had been placed in front of him,” Caruso said.
“But he has that ability. That’s obviously the year he won the MVP, Western Conference Finals MVP, Finals MVP and Championship.”
Caruso highlighted what makes Gilgus Alexander special beyond his on-court abilities. The Veteran Guard highlighted the SGA’s mental approach and competitive drive, separating him from other elite players.
“I don’t think anyone here will question his abilities. I think he’s probably more hungry that sets him apart,” Caruso explained.
“He probably won’t be happy to win this at once. He’s going to want to do it again. He’s going to want to be better.”
The Veteran Guard also mirrored his second championship, previously winning against the Los Angeles Lakers alongside LeBron James.
Caruso explained that he finds the lightning title more meaningful for the team’s construction and the youth.
“I think it was much more difficult with this team because of the experience, because of the way the team is being built, compared to the team I had in 2020,” Caruso said.
“We talked about how everyone needs experience to win a championship. Good basketball is good basketball.”