Shai Gilgeous-Alexander didn’t hesitate when asked how it felt to finally become an NBA champion.
“Feels amazing. So much weight off my shoulders. So much stress relieved,” the Thunder star said Sunday night after Oklahoma City’s 103-91 win over Indiana in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals.
The 26-year-old capped a historic season by winning both regular season and Finals MVP honors, leading the Thunder with 29 points and 12 assists. His performance sealed the franchise’s first championship since relocating from Seattle.
“I wouldn’t have rather done it with any other group in the world,” Gilgeous-Alexander said at Paycom Center. “It feels good to be a champion.”
When asked about the leadership behind the team’s success, Gilgeous-Alexander credited general manager Sam Presti, head coach Mark Daigneault, and owner Clay Bennett for building a “winning environment.”
“They put in so much work behind the scenes that not everybody sees,” he said. “It’s no fluke why we’re here.”
Gilgeous-Alexander joined elite company by winning MVP, Finals MVP, and a scoring title in the same season. While acknowledging the significance, he kept his focus on those who supported him.
“It’s hard to even fathom that I’m that type of basketball player sometimes,” he admitted. “I’m just glad my dreams have come true. That’s a thank you to everyone that’s been in my corner.”
The Thunder, one of the league’s youngest teams, overcame playoff adversity and finished the postseason 11-2 at home. Oklahoma City never lost consecutive games in the playoffs.
“We prioritize winning,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “That’s all we focused on this whole season. And because we did so, we won on the highest level.”
After Tyrese Haliburton exited early with a calf injury, Gilgeous-Alexander shared a quiet moment with the Pacers star.
“I just asked him if he was all right,” he said. “My heart dropped for him. It’s not fair, but competition isn’t fair sometimes.”
He also reflected on his late-game poise, crediting coaching and maturity. “Those are the moments when the biggest stars make their name,” he said. “And I want to have that name.”
With Oklahoma City’s young core still years from their athletic prime, Gilgeous-Alexander acknowledged the Thunder could be contenders for years to come.
“We definitely still have room to grow, and that’s the fun part of this,” he said. “This is a great start for sure.”
While statistics tell part of the story, Gilgeous-Alexander emphasized the team’s bond as the most meaningful aspect of the journey.
“All the achievements—they don’t even come close to the satisfaction of just winning with your brothers,” he said.
For Gilgeous-Alexander, who’s also a father, the title carries personal weight. When asked what he’ll tell his child about sacrifice, his answer was simple: “If you want something, go get it. You can if you want it.”