Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Catches Attention Before Thunder Game on Monday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Rowan Fisher-Shotton | Last updated May 26, 2025 8:33 PM ET

As anticipation builds for Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals in Minneapolis, all eyes briefly shifted away from the court and onto NBA Most Valuable Player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

In his seventh NBA season (2024-25), Gilgeous-Alexander averaged a league-leading 32.7 points per game en route to earning his first MVP award, the third Canadian ever to win the honor after Steve Nash (2005, 2006).

Fresh off a lopsided Game 3 defeat, the Thunder guard made his entrance at Target Center just hours before tip-off, drawing a flurry of reactions on social media and setting the tone for what promises to be a critical night in Oklahoma City’s playoff run.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander arrives for Game 4 of the Western Conference finals.

8:30 on ESPN pic.twitter.com/AqVQQWf7yS
— ESPN (@espn) May 26, 2025

NBA fans instantly reacted to SGA's arrival.

"Ready to go to work ," one user commented.

"He's got some drip on this game is going to be devious," another commenter said.

"AURAAAAA," one other fan responded.

"50 point game incoming," said another user.

"Walking like a champ," replied another fan.

"MVP bling bounce," commented one other user.

Gilgeous-Alexander is a three-time NBA All-Star (2023-2025), a three-time All-NBA First Team member (2023-2025) and was this year's scoring champion.

Heading into Monday’s contest, the Thunder hold a slim 2-1 series lead, but Minnesota’s emphatic Game 3 response has shifted momentum.

The Timberwolves rebounded from two early road losses with a dominating 143-101 home victory in Game 3 on Saturday night.

Anthony Edwards spearheaded Minnesota’s offensive onslaught, finishing with 30 points, nine rebounds and six assists, while Julius Randle chipped in 24 points.

Conversely, Gilgeous-Alexander struggled throughout, managing just 14 points on 4-for-13 shooting with four turnovers.

Game 4 tips at 8:30 p.m. ET and carries hefty implications.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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