The Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder delivered a commanding efficiency Thursday night time, dismantling the Minnesota Timberwolves in Sport 2 to take a commanding 2-0 lead within the Western Convention Finals.
The victory has intensified discussions about Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s place in franchise historical past, with some questioning if a championship might cement him as the best Thunder participant ever.
That dialog gained critical momentum after Sport 2, when ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins made his place crystal clear with a daring proclamation in regards to the star guard’s legacy.
“Let’s discuss SGA. The best Thunder of all time. He already joined the corporate of Michael Jordan this 12 months… Now he holds up the MVP trophy. And now he’s on his method to going to the NBA Finals, and he’s going to win the NBA championship, and he’s going to develop into Finals MVP,” Perkins mentioned on NBA TODAY. “We’re watching a younger man proper now who’s the very best perimeter participant within the recreation of basketball on the offensive finish. Proper now, the way in which that he’s taking part in, he’s unguardable. It’s not gonna cease.”
Kendrick Perkins says Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the best Thunder participant of all time 👀
Agree or disagree with Perk? 🤔
(through @ESPNNBA)
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) Might 23, 2025
The numbers from Sport 2 actually assist Perkins’ enthusiasm.
Gilgeous-Alexander torched Minnesota for 38 factors whereas including eight assists and three steals on an environment friendly 12-for-21 capturing night time.
His efficiency pushed the Thunder inside two victories of their first NBA Finals look since 2012.
What makes this run significantly compelling is how Gilgeous-Alexander has advanced since arriving in Oklahoma Metropolis.
The 2018 draft decide remodeled his profession after the commerce from Los Angeles, creating into an MVP-caliber expertise who led one of the crucial spectacular common seasons in franchise historical past.
Now he stands on the precipice of one thing particular.
Six extra wins separate Gilgeous-Alexander from an NBA championship, a feat that will undoubtedly strengthen his case within the ongoing debate about Thunder greatness.
With Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook beforehand holding that dialog, the present star guard may be authoring the ultimate chapter that settles the argument as soon as and for all.
NEXT: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Makes Thunder Playoff Historical past On Thursday