What Did Game 1 Tell Us About Shai?
On June 5, 2025, the reigning MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and the Oklahoma City Thunder lost Game 1 of the NBA Finals to the Indiana Pacers in dramatic fashion.
Seven Pacers players scored in double digits (including T.J. McConnell’s nine points), and Indiana remained poised despite the Thunder’s suffocating defense. The Pacers trailed by as many as 15 in the fourth quarter, but came all the way back to win on a buzzer-beating midrange jumper from Tyrese Haliburton, sealing a 111 to 110 victory.
The Thunder played fantastic defense for most of the night, but aside from 15 points from Lu Dort and 17 from Jalen Williams, the offense struggled. That is, except for their star player, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
The 6-foot-6 point guard showed exactly why he was named MVP, dropping 38 points on 14 of 30 shooting with five rebounds, three assists, and three steals. Though he missed a crucial midrange shot late, the Pacers had few answers for his relentless offensive attack.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s scoring display was a clinic. Whether it was spin moves, acrobatic finishes, or stop-and-pop jumpers, he was locked in. His use of pace is unlike anyone else in the league. He slithered through defenders with ease, and when he pulled up, you almost expected the shot to fall every time.
Some have criticized Shai’s high scoring average this season by claiming he relies too much on free throws. But in Game 1, he went to the line only four times. That performance should quiet that crowd, at least for now.
Still, it was not a perfect game. In the final 67 seconds, with the Thunder clinging to a lead, Shai was blocked at the rim by Pascal Siakam. On the following possession, he was out-jumped by Siakam again, who put back a miss to bring Indiana within one.
Then came a tough moment. Instead of taking a clean midrange shot he had hit all night, Shai passed to a well-covered teammate. With 22 seconds left, he got another chance, spinning into a fadeaway jumper that came up short. Haliburton followed with his game winner.
It was a crushing loss. But this kind of moment is not uncommon for rising stars. Shai is 26 years old and has averaged 30.2 points, 6.7 assists, and 5.6 rebounds per game in this postseason. And he is far from alone in making some mistakes on this stage.
Shai Among His Peers
Luka Doncic and Jayson Tatum are probably the only other stars his age with comparable playoff resumes. Both have had their own Finals shortcomings.
Doncic lit up the 2024 regular season and playoffs but struggled in the Finals. His assist numbers dropped, and the Celtics exposed his defense. Boston won that series in five, and Doncic ended the season exhausted and frustrated. He was later traded to the Lakers for Anthony Davis.
Tatum played well but was outshined by Jaylen Brown, who took home Finals MVP. Tatum rebounded in the 2025 playoffs until an injury derailed his run in the second round.
Shai has not had a Finals flameout like those two. If he finishes this series strong and leads OKC to the title, he will make a strong case for being the best young player in the league.
Other players like Devin Booker, Tyrese Haliburton, and Anthony Edwards are in the conversation too. Haliburton, in particular, deserves major props for his clutch postseason performances. But so far, Shai’s production and leadership give him the edge.
Even among the league’s older elite like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic, Shai is pushing into the conversation. Giannis has been sidelined by injury, and although Jokic remains incredible, OKC beat his Nuggets in this year’s Western Conference Semis.
Game 2 Update
In Game 2, Shai answered the bell once again. He poured in 34 points and led the Thunder to a much-needed win to even the series. It was another reminder that while Haliburton and the Pacers are legit, Gilgeous-Alexander remains the best player on the floor. If he keeps this up, the MVP is about to add another massive achievement to his resume.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is playing like the best basketball player in the world in 2025. A Finals trophy might just make it official.
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