Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Makes Chris Paul Statement After Game 2 Against Timberwolves

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Nathaniel Holloway | Last updated May 23, 2025 1:55 AM ET

It has been a dominant season thus far for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder and that has continued into the playoffs.

Oklahoma City currently finds themselves in the Western Conference Finals where they were able to take a 2-0 lead in the series at home in Game 2 on Thursday night.

Of course, the Thunder used a dominant second half to win Game 1 of the series on Tuesday night and they were able to keep things rolling in Game 2 as they defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 119-103 on Thursday.

Shai led the way for the Thunder in Thursday’s victory as he dropped 38 points, three rebounds, eight assists and three steals.

This came after he was given the NBA MVP award before the game by commissioner Adam Silver after the NBA announced that he had won the award on Wednesday night.

With Shai receiving the Michael Jordan Trophy, current San Antonio Spurs and former Thunder point guard Chris Paul was in attendance to watch his former teammate receive the award.

“Had to come see Shai raise it up in front of the fans,” Paul said about being in attendance for Shai’s MVP trophy presentation on Thursday.

"Had to come see Shai raise it up in front of the fans."@CP3 was teammates with SGA on the Thunder in the 2019-20 season...

And came to support him in his Michael Jordan trophy presentation #KiaMVP https://t.co/fa1aZxg3Z5 pic.twitter.com/6DWW4WbYua
— NBA (@NBA) May 23, 2025

After the game, Shai praised Paul for their friendship through the years and also made a clear statement regarding the legendary point guard.

“Not only like a big brother, a mentor, but just like a friend,” Shai said about Paul after Thursday’s Game 2 victory.

"Not only like a big brother, a mentor, but just like a friend."

SGA discusses his relationship with CP3, who was in attendance to watch him receive the Michael Jordan trophy

Brotherhood. https://t.co/bf3KtvZhSo pic.twitter.com/HahXu4qEJh
— NBA (@NBA) May 23, 2025

Of course, Paul played one season in Oklahoma City during the 2019-20 season, Shai’s first season with the franchise after they acquired him from the Los Angeles Clippers in the Paul George trade.

While Paul and Shai played only one year together, it is clear that the veteran guard had a major impact on the Thunder’s superstar and they have also built a relationship through the years.

Shai and the Thunder will now look to build off Thursday’s victory as they try to take a commanding 3-0 series lead with a victory in Minnesota on Saturday night.

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

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