Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Praised for What He Said About Tyrese Haliburton After NBA Finals

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Cole Sullivan | Last updated Jun 23, 2025 1:53 PM ET

The entire NBA season—from the regular season to the playoffs and the Finals—was dominated by Oklahoma City Thunder star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Not only did he claim the MVP, NBA Finals MVP, and scoring title, but he also led the Thunder to a Game 7 victory, securing the franchise’s first championship since relocating from Seattle to Oklahoma City in 2008.

Yet, despite all his achievements and the moment to celebrate, Gilgeous-Alexander took time during his postgame press conference to express sympathy for Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton, who is believed to have suffered a torn Achilles early in Sunday’s game after a hot start on the sport’s biggest stage.

“My heart dropped for him,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “I couldn’t imagine playing the biggest game of my life and something like that happening. I just felt so bad for him. Prayers go out to him for sure. Hell of a player.”

"My heart dropped for him. I couldn't imagine playing the biggest game of my life and something like that happening. I just felt so bad for him. Prayers go out to him for sure. Hell of a player.”

— Shai on Haliburton’s injury. ❤️✊

(h/t @ohnohedidnt24)

pic.twitter.com/gTnVka2ndq
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) June 23, 2025

SGA’s comments earned widespread praise from NBA fans following his first championship victory.

"SGA's a good man," a fan said.

Another fan posted, "Not a fan of SGAs game in general but major respect here. Growing on me. Congrats champ."

Someone else added, "class act from Shai sportsmanship like that hits different."

One more fan commented, "SGA - super classy - a true champion."

At just 26 years old, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander averaged an impressive 32.7 points per game this season, earning the MVP award. He carried that dominance into the postseason, shining on the biggest stage.

In Sunday’s Game 7, SGA posted a game-high 29 points, along with 12 assists and five rebounds over 40 minutes. He scored 30 or more points in four of the seven games and notched at least 20 points in every game. Now, he’s an NBA champion for the first time in his promising career.

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

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