The Oklahoma City Thunder stepped into Game 5 of the NBA Finals against the Indiana Pacers hoping to take control of the series. For Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and his teammates, the stakes are high. They need a win to re-establish their dominance and tilt momentum back in their favor.
But before the first whistle blew, Gilgeous-Alexander made headlines not just for his gameplay but for a heartfelt pregame moment with the fans. Shai took the time to engage with supporters.
In a video posted by the NBA before Game 5, Shai was seen surrounded by a crowd of eager fans. The Thunder superstar signed a total of 429 autographs before finally heading to the locker room. It seemed like he made an effort to sign every item within reach.
SGA signed 429 autographs in this clip 🤯
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 16, 2025
(🎥 @NBA )
pic.twitter.com/vdljHX7cRt
Since joining the Thunder via the 2019 trade with the Clippers in the Paul George deal, Gilgeous-Alexander has become the face of the franchise. His growth has been consistent and inspiring. This season, he led Oklahoma City to finish with the top record in the Western Conference and was rightfully honored with the Western Conference MVP.
His clutch fourth-quarter performance in Game 4 was pivotal in evening the series at 2-2, and fans were already hopeful for more of his magic in Game 5.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Sets Social Media Ablaze After Signing 429 Autographs
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Gilgeous-Alexander’s autograph signing wasn’t just a publicity stunt; it was a display of genuine connection between player and fanbase. Few athletes go this far before a game of this magnitude, and Shai’s gesture stood out as a symbol of gratitude and humility. Fans were stunned and reacted genuinely to his generous act.
“Genuinely how can you hate this guy, he’s a man of the people,” one fan posted.
Genuinely how can you hate this guy,he’s a man of the people ❤️
— 财富 (@FreeAgen_) June 16, 2025
“He really doesn’t deserve all the hate he gets,” added another.
He really doesn’t deserve all the hate he gets
— ⸸ (@irdgafnomo) June 16, 2025
“This is legendary stuff right here. We don’t see enough players showing this level of appreciation for the fans,” someone wrote.
This is legendary stuff right here, we don’t see enough players showing this level of appreciation for the fans.
— Outlier Sports (@OutlierSports_) June 16, 2025
Amid them, one fan joked, “Almost as many free throws he shoots in a series.”
Almost as many free throws he shoots in a series 👍
— TyHaliGOATon (@TyHaliGOATon) June 16, 2025
“Bro’s focused on the wrong thing, Haliban in 6,” a Pacers fan teased.
Bros focused on the wrong thing, Haliban in 6
— Nick (@BlockdByTatum) June 16, 2025
Regardless of team loyalties, Shai’s pregame autograph spree left a lasting impression. Possibly, it also left some good karma heading into a crucial matchup.
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