Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the standout guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder, recently expressed his mixed feelings regarding the team’s first NBA Championship victory. Despite leading the league in scoring and earning both the Conference Finals MVP and Finals MVP during the 2024/25 season, Gilgeous-Alexander stated, “I didn’t like the way we won.” His candid assessment has garnered support from former NFL player and sports commentator Shannon Sharpe, who acknowledged the challenges the Thunder faced in the playoffs.
The Thunder finished the regular season with an impressive record of 68-14, the best in the NBA. However, their journey to the championship was anything but straightforward. The team faced tough competition, going to seven games against both the Denver Nuggets in the Conference Finals and the Indiana Pacers in the championship series. Injuries to key players on both sides raised questions about the series outcomes.
During a recent episode of his show, Sharpe elaborated on these concerns, highlighting the significance of playoff performance. He remarked, “If Aaron Gordon doesn’t hurt his hamstring in that game seven, what happens? If [Tyrese] Haliburton doesn’t tear his Achilles in game seven, what happens?” His commentary underscored the unpredictable nature of playoff basketball, where teams have multiple games to adapt and strategize against their opponents.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s desire for personal improvement adds another layer to his reflections. Despite a season where he excelled, he expressed dissatisfaction with his postseason performance compared to his regular season. “For me as well, as a player, I don’t think I was good in the postseason as I was in the regular season,” he stated.
As the 2025/26 season unfolds, Gilgeous-Alexander is proving his commitment to growth. He currently averages an impressive 33 points per game, leading the Thunder to a strong start with a record of 10-1 in the Western Conference. Notably, the team is achieving success without his key teammate, Jalen Williams, who is sidelined.
Sharpe commended Gilgeous-Alexander’s mindset, saying, “I like his mentality, I like his mindset, he’s like, ‘I wanna be dominant, I wanna be dominant in the postseason like I was in the regular season.’” As the playoffs approach, the Thunder are expected to secure a spot, but the real test will be how they perform when it matters most.
The combination of Gilgeous-Alexander’s ambition and the team’s current trajectory sets a promising tone for the Thunder’s future. His determination to lead and improve may very well define the success of their upcoming playoff run and their quest for another championship.
