Shai Gilgeous-Alexander just became the first player in 12 years to win both the NBA regular season MVP and Finals MVP in the same campaign as he led the Oklahoma City Thunder to their first championship since relocating to Oklahoma.

The 26-year-old Canadian guard’s remarkable postseason capped off a season for the ages, with his performance in Game 7 against the Indiana Pacers sealing his legacy and Oklahoma City’s place in NBA history.

A season for the ages

Gilgeous-Alexander’s journey to dual MVP honors is a testament to his relentless work ethic and leadership. After capturing the league’s scoring title and regular season MVP, he entered the Finals as the engine behind one of the NBA’s youngest and most dynamic teams.

In the decisive Game 7, SGA delivered 29 points, 12 assists, and five rebounds, orchestrating the Thunder’s 103-91 victory and finishing the series with averages of 30.3 points, 5.6 assists, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.9 steals per game. He topped 30 points in five of the seven Finals games, including a 38-point effort in Game 1, and was the clear choice for the Bill Russell NBA Finals MVP trophy.

His dominance throughout the playoffs placed him in rare company. Gilgeous-Alexander is now just the 11th player in NBA history to win both the regular season and Finals MVP in the same year, joining the likes of Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Magic Johnson.

Even more exclusive, he became only the fourth player ever to win the MVP, Finals MVP, and scoring title while leading his team to a championship in a single season, alongside Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan, and Shaquille O’Neal.

A new era for the Thunder and Canadian basketball

Gilgeous-Alexander’s impact extends beyond individual accolades. His leadership and clutch play propelled the Thunder to their first NBA title since the franchise moved to Oklahoma City in 2008. The Thunder’s run was a collective triumph, but SGA’s ability to rise in the biggest moments—especially after the team’s 22-win season just a few years ago—was the driving force behind their championship.

He also made history as the first Canadian player to win NBA Finals MVP, a milestone that resonates with fans across Canada and signals a bright future for Canadian basketball. “This isn’t just a win for me,” Gilgeous-Alexander said after Game 7. “This is a win for my family, my friends, everyone who was in my corner growing up, and the best fans in the world.”

As the confetti fell in Oklahoma City, Gilgeous-Alexander’s legacy was secure—a transcendent season, a championship, and a place among the game’s all-time greats.