SGA’s historic MVP trifecta begs the question: Was it the best season ever?

Kentucky fans knew early that Shai had something special. He arrived in Lexington in 2017 as a lightly recruited four-star and left in 2018 as a projected first-rounder—after leading the team in assists, anchoring the defense, and turning in one of the most impressive SEC Tournament runs in the Calipari era.

SGA averaged 14.4 points, 5.1 assists, and 1.6 steals per game at Kentucky, while shooting over 40% from three. He wasn’t the flashiest, or the fastest, but he was the most composed. That same maturity and edge have carried him from a breakout sophomore year in the NBA to the league’s brightest stage.

An unmatched season

Gilgeous-Alexander didn’t just lead Oklahoma City to a league-best 68–14 record—he powered one of the most balanced, unselfish, and explosive young teams the league has seen in years. His 32.7 points per game paced the NBA, earning him the scoring title. He shot 51.9% from the field, averaged over six assists, and took over games with a calm, surgical intensity.

Then came the postseason.

SGA poured in 31.4 points per game in the Western Conference Finals, claiming MVP honors as the Thunder dismantled Denver. In the NBA Finals, he raised his play again—closing the series with 29 points and 12 assists in a Game 7 win over Indiana. No moment was too big. No possession too late.

By the time the confetti fell, SGA had done something no player ever has: win league MVP, scoring title, conference finals MVP, and Finals MVP in the same season since the league introduced the conference award.

A Kentucky legacy extended

It’s one thing to be a great pro. It’s another to be a Kentucky pro. And Gilgeous-Alexander now has a seat at the head of that elite table.

He joins Anthony Davis (2020 Finals MVP) as the only Wildcats to win the league’s top postseason honor. He surpasses others like Devin Booker and Karl-Anthony Towns in accolades. And his rise from underrated recruit to the pinnacle of the NBA embodies everything Kentucky fans love: passion, growth, and greatness.

You don’t have to squint hard to see it—SGA may now be the greatest Wildcat in the modern NBA era.

Big Blue Nation beaming

And let's not forget Cason Wallace is now an NBA Champion as well.

There’s a unique pride that comes with seeing one of your own make it this big. And Gilgeous-Alexander didn’t just make it—he made history.

Still just getting started

At 26, SGA is younger than most MVPs. He’s eligible for a five-year supermax extension that could approach $300 million. And with a core of Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, and a reloaded OKC roster, this championship doesn’t look like a one-off. It feels like the start of something sustainable—and very, very dangerous. They have 11 draft picks over the next 3 years, astounding job by the front office.

More than anything, Gilgeous-Alexander’s story is still being written. But if this season is any indication, it’s going to end up in Springfield one day.

Bottom line

• NBA MVP, scoring champion, 68 wins
• WCF MVP, Finals MVP, first title since 2008
• Clutch in every round, calm in every moment
• A Kentucky legend, now an NBA icon

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander didn’t just carry the Thunder. He carried the banner for every Kentucky player, every one-and-done prospect, every underdog with vision. His name is now etched alongside the greats—and there’s no telling how high he can climb from here.

For Big Blue Nation, this one means more. Because it’s not just a title—it’s a torch passed, and a legacy extended.