When the Thunder acquired Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the blockbuster Paul George trade six years ago, everyone expected the youngster to have a solid NBA career. He had just come off his rookie season, averaging 10.8 points. So, there was always potential. However, not even in their wildest dreams could anyone have imagined that SGA would become arguably the best player in the league only a few seasons later. Had the Clippers realized it early on, they would never have let him go. But call it luck or great vision, OKC is reaping the benefits of making the right deal at the right time.

Tonight, Shai and Co. ended the franchise’s thirteen-year NBA Finals drought by eliminating the Timberwolves with a gentleman’s sweep and conquering the West. As expected, it was Shai who led the charge, averaging 31.4 points and over five rebounds in the series. And he was rightfully rewarded for his effort, being named the recipient of the Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson trophy for this year’s West Finals MVP.

Obviously, OKC crowd was ecstatic and showered SGA with immense love. MVP chants echoed Paycom Center as the superstar took centre stage, overwhelmed with emotions, “Yeah, it’s a really good feeling. Stuff you dream about as a kid. I just wanna shout out these fans. They’ve been here, sorry, one second…” As soon as Shai mentioned the fans, they began roaring once again, even causing the MVP to stand silently for nearly ten seconds. But he was not bothered because it was the fans’ love that helped him get to this stage.

“A couple of years I got here, there was some really dark times in this arena. Not fun times, and these fans have been by our side through thick and thin. So, we appreciate them first and foremost.” Shai remarked. Then, he credited his teammates for supporting him every step of the way, “Of course, I wanna thank my teammates. Without them, I’m nothing. Clear as day. I don’t have 124 points by myself. I love these guys to death.” While Shai went off for 34 points in tonight’s closeout game, the remaining starters also combined for 61 points. That’s what makes this OKC team so lethal. Even though they got the job done tonight, Shai knows that the ultimate goal is yet to be accomplished.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander claims OKC has “more work to do” as NBA Finals loom closer

Of course, OKC will celebrate tonight. After all, this is their first West Finals victory since the Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook era in 2012. However, once the sun rises, the team will begin preparation for their next challenge—NBA Finals. Even SGA understands that although conquering the West is a massive accomplishment, the job is far from over.

“This is a step in the right direction, but we have a lot more work to do, and we know that. And that’s what we’re focused on. So, lets buckle up and get ready.” He remarked. Well, their next opponents are yet to be determined as the Pacers vs Knicks series is still at 3-1. But both teams have pulled off massive upsets in these playoffs by eliminating the East’s top two teams, Celtics and Cavs. So, OKC knows that neither of them can be taken lightly.

Shai continued, “I got a lot of growing to do. We got a lot of work to do to get to our ultimate goal and this is not it. So, that’s all that I’m focused on.” Moreover, SGA and Co. have never been to this stage before. Only player on their squad to have played in the Finals is Alex Caruso, who won the title with the Lakers five years ago. Therefore, they cannot take their foot off the gas just yet, as they need four more wins to rightfully call themselves the best team in the NBA. Do you think they can do it?