Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the hero of Wednesday when the Oklahoma City Thunder headed to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2013. The Thunder star was awarded the Western Conference Finals MVP award for his stellar performance throughout the series.
Shai has been leading the young Thunder team with poise, confidence, and clutch scoring. After the Game 5 win that secured Oklahoma City’s spot in the Finals, former NBA star Kendrick Perkins didn’t hold back when addressing unfair criticism aimed at Gilgeous-Alexander.
“First of all, I think it’s nonsense, right? He’s not, he’s, I mean, the guy’s killing it. If you take away all his free, everybody free throws this season, he will still be leading the league in scoring. That’s number one. Number two, we used to applaud Kobe, Jordan, Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce for being able to get to the free throw line,” Perkins said.
"We used to applaud Kobe, [Michael Jordan], Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce for being able to get to the free throw line… people are trying to create a narrative because you can't stop him."
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) May 28, 2025
Kendrick Perkins on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.pic.twitter.com/O4fVZscWrD
“That just goes to show you that he’s the most unguardable, unstoppable perimeter player in the game right now. He’s the best scorer in the game of basketball, and we can’t fault this man for being able to put pressure on the rim,” he added.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s season has been historic so far. He has been named MVP, selected to the 1st Team All-NBA, won the Western Conference Finals MVP, claimed the scoring title, and made the All-Star team.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Credits Thunder Fans For Game 5 Drive
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Throughout the season, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has received huge support from his fans. In the postgame press conference, the Western Conference Finals MVP spoke about the motivations that fueled his Game 5 performance.
“Me personally, I wanted two things, I didn’t want to go back to Minnesota, travel-wise. And then I wanted the fans to be able to enjoy the moment with us. I wanted them to be able to see it unfold in front of their eyes. Go home, get drunk, whatever they do. I wanted them to have fun with the moment,” Shai said.
OKC is one of the youngest teams to ever make the NBA Finals. Under Shai’s leadership, they now have a real shot at completing their incredible journey.
Also Read: NBA Legend Apologizes To OKC For “Underestimating” Them After Thunder Reach 2024-25 NBA Finals
