May 18, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) dribbles the ball down the court against the Denver Nuggets in the second half during game seven of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Chris Paul's Heartfelt Message to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander After MVP Win

Originally posted on San Antonio Spurs on SI
By Logan Struck | Last updated May 21, 2025 11:51 PM ET

The Oklahoma City Thunder are three wins away from their first NBA Finals appearance since a Kevin Durant-led team lost to LeBron James and the Miami Heat in 2012, and they are being carried by the third MVP winner in franchise history.

On Wednesday, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook as Thunder superstars to win the NBA MVP award, and the announcement did not come as a shock to many.

Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder to a 68-14 season, their best finish in franchise history, despite dealing with significant injuries to his co-stars and supporting cast.

A global media panel of 100 voters selected the winner of the 2024-25 Kia NBA Most Valuable Player Award.

The complete voting results ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/j4nqOAWVT2
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) May 21, 2025

Following the news, San Antonio Spurs guard and Gilgeous-Alexander's former Thunder teammate Chris Paul sent a touching message to congratulate the newest NBA MVP.

"Shai, congrats my brother, congrats man," Paul said. "We talked about this last year, and to see you put the work in again, day in and day out, we knew it was coming and we knew it was just a matter of time. I couldn't be happier for you, man. For Hailey, for Ares, for your moms, pops, no flutes. You deserve this.

"You're one of the most selfless people I ever met in my life. But this moment is about you and what you did and your teammates, man. Enjoy it. I know you've got a lot more work to do, but congrats on MVP my brother. Love you."

Some special messages for our MVP #SGA2MVP | #KiaMVP pic.twitter.com/vzL7D1WXZY
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) May 22, 2025

Gilgeous-Alexander certainly deserved to win the MVP award after the historic season he had, and his former teammate showing him some love is also a very heartwarming moment.

This article first appeared on San Antonio Spurs on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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