Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder are heading into the NBA playoffs with the league’s top record, giving them a real opportunity to become the first team in eight years to win consecutive championships.
Still, despite being the reigning MVP and the leading candidate for this season’s top individual honor, Gilgeous-Alexander remains aware of how challenging that path is and is careful not to get ahead of themselves.
“It’s not much. It’s a cool opportunity,” Gilgeous-Alexander told the media. “I think going through last year and realizing that’s so far down the line. So many things have to happen before we get to the Finals-clinching game.”
“To have the opportunity to repeat means we’ve won before, so it’s cool, but (there are) so many things that have to go our way.”
The most recent back-to-back champions were crowned in 2018, when the Golden State Warriors—led by Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry—defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals.
Since that victory, no team has successfully defended its title, with the league producing seven different champions over the past seven years.
This season, the Thunder posted an impressive 64-win record despite dealing with injuries and inconsistent shooting, solidifying their status as the team to beat. That’s held true even with strong challenges from the second-seeded San Antonio Spurs and the Denver Nuggets.
In their championship run last year, Oklahoma City endured two Game 7 battles—first against Denver in the second round, and then against the Indiana Pacers in the Finals.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Reveals Mindset for Playoff Run
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is expected to carry the Thunder on his shoulders throughout the NBA playoffs.
With that expectation, Gilgeous-Alexander has kept himself busy in the weight room as he looks to remain healthy and in tip-top shape for what is ahead of them.
“In this time of the year, you just got to win and chip away at it,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “Hopefully, you build enough muscles, and the body should be ready. That’s what the regular season and summer are for me. Making sure my body is right.”
Gilgeous-Alexander has been the anchor that kept the Thunder going throughout the season. He averaged 31.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, 6.6 assists, and 1.4 steals per game to remain one of the top players in the league this season.
Aside from Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder will also lean on Jalen Williams, who had numerous injury setbacks this season, and Chet Holmgren for this year’s playoff run.
They also added Jared McCain at the trade deadline on top of the likes of Cason Wallace, Lu Dort, Isaiah Hartenstein, Isaiah Joe, and Jaylin Williams.
