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Professional basketball

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Leads Thunder to First NBA Championship in Franchise History

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a 26-year-old Hamilton native, capped off the greatest season ever enjoyed by a Canadian basketball player by leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to their first ever NBA championship with a 103-91 win over the Indiana Pacers in Game 7 of the NBA Finals. The Thunder, who finished the season with a 68-14 record, were propelled to victory by Gilgeous-Alexander's unparalleled play, which included 29 points, 12 assists, and only one turnover in the decisive game. Gilgeous-Alexander, who also earned Finals MVP honors, joined an exclusive group of Canadian NBA champions that includes Oshae Brissett (Boston), Jamal Murray (Denver), Andrew Wiggins (Golden State), and Chris Boucher (Toronto).

Key Takeaways:

  • The Oklahoma City Thunder won their first ever NBA championship in franchise history, defeating the Indiana Pacers 103-91 in Game 7 of the NBA Finals.
  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a 26-year-old Hamilton native, was named the NBA Finals MVP and led the Thunder with 29 points, 12 assists, and just one turnover in the decisive game.
  • Gilgeous-Alexander earned the regular-season scoring title, regular-season MVP, and Western Conference Finals MVP, cementing his status as one of the greatest Canadian players in NBA history.
  • The Thunder, who finished the season with a 68-14 record, were led by a young core that includes Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, and Lu Dort of Montreal.
  • The Pacers, who were without their star player Tyrese Haliburton due to a severe injury, struggled to keep pace with the Thunder's offense, ultimately falling short in the series.

Statistics:

  • 68 : The Thunder's regular season record, which set them up for a record-breaking playoff run.
  • 29 : The number of points scored by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the decisive Game 7.
  • 12 : The number of assists made by Gilgeous-Alexander in the decisive game, a personal playoff-high.
  • 103 : The final score of the Thunder's championship victory.
  • 91 : The final score of the Pacers' loss in Game 7.

Sources:

  • Doug Smith, "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads Thunder to championship", Toronto Star
  • (Justin Ford/Getty Images)

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