On Sunday night, the Oklahoma City Thunder etched their name into NBA history by clinching their first-ever championship. In Game 7 of the NBA Finals, the Thunder outlasted the Indiana Pacers to secure the title. At the heart of it all was Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who delivered a sensational performance throughout the Finals. He was crowned NBA Finals MVP for his efforts.
After the emotional victory and an unforgettable night of celebration with teammates, Shai didn’t waste any time stepping into the spotlight. By Monday morning, he was already sitting down with Good Morning America host Robin Roberts. In the interview, Shai was asked how it felt to finally become an NBA champion.
“Yeah, it’s everything I imagined it to be. The opportunity has been amazing, and I’m happy and I’m blessed to be a part of it,” Shai said.
SGA made a national appearance less than 24 hours after lifting the Larry O’Brien trophy. It was clear the celebration had been long. Hence, Roberts didn’t shy away from addressing his sleep-deprived look.
SGA was FRIED on Good Morning America 😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/WzpmOFsbZe
— BricksCenter (@BricksCenter) June 24, 2025
“Have you been to sleep, Shay? Because you’re a little sleepy. Did you get any rest since last night?” she asked playfully.
Shai was smiling after hearing the question. He tried to shake off the fatigue, replying, “As much as I’d like. But you only live once.”
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Fans React To Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Sleepy GMA Appearance
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s appearance quickly went viral, not for what he said, but for how he looked. Social media lit up with jokes for the Finals MVP, who looked like he hadn’t closed his eyes since the final buzzer.
“He baked or nah? Lol,” one fan wrote.
He baked or nah? Lol @KDTrey5
— Dedrick Hendrix (@dchendrix) June 24, 2025
“My Boy Needed A Nap,” another user posted.
My Boy Needed A Nap 😂
— Weanz ¥¥¥ (@BagsofYen) June 24, 2025
Another one joked, “Bro is in outer space.”
Bro is in outer space
— Official Ohio State DG (@DylanEveryday) June 24, 2025
“He had no idea where he was,” one comment read.
He had no idea where he was
— Trap (@TRAPJNR) June 24, 2025
Another fan humorously added, “Imagine if the league drug tested after the finals LMAO.”
Imagine if the league drug tested after the finals LMAO.
— Slim (@Slim_978) June 24, 2025
Though clearly exhausted, Shai’s presence on Good Morning America was the perfect snapshot of a player living his dream. After years of grinding, leading a young team to the top, and putting everything on the line in Game 7, Gilgeous-Alexander earned every minute of that celebration and every drowsy second of that interview.
Also Read: Thunder vs. Pacers Game 7 Shatters Viewership Marks As Most Watched NBA Finals Game In Six Years
