When Shai Gilgeous-Alexander claimed both the regular season and NBA Finals MVP awards while leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to their first-ever championship, many wondered if he would cement himself as the top player in the league.

Early into the 2025-26 campaign, the superstar guard is maintaining his mastery on the court. He treated the Paycom Center to another sensational performance on Tuesday, disorienting the Sacramento Kings on both ends of the floor. Gilgeous-Alexander posted 31 points on 14-of-26 shooting, along with nine rebounds, four assists, three blocks, and one steal.

When it came time to close out the visiting team, the 27-year-old Canadian leaned on what many consider a weakness in his game. He drained a step-back 3-pointer with just over 15 seconds remaining in the contest, solidifying a 107-101 victory and a perfect 5-0 start for the Thunder.

Despite a season-long 3-point shooting percentage of just 22.7%, Gilgeous-Alexander made his first and only trey of the evening when it mattered most. This clutch shot embodied what it means to be a franchise cornerstone. The greats can break out of a slump and deliver for their team in crunch time, and the three-time All-NBA First-Team selection appears to be on that trajectory.

With Jalen Williams still recovering from offseason wrist surgery, Gilgeous-Alexander is shouldering extra responsibilities—and standing tall under the pressure. His unflappable nature is contagious.

Trailing 97-90 midway through the fourth quarter, the Thunder rattled off an 11-0 run to seize momentum. Call it championship aura, undying grit, or pure skill—this team has the ability to overwhelm opponents without warning.
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