The Oklahoma City Thunder are just two wins away from their first NBA Finals appearance since 2012, and the hype around Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is reaching new heights. With every game, the 26-year-old MVP is not just racking up wins and stats; he’s rewriting OKC’s basketball legacy.
Now, former Thunder center Kendrick Perkins is making a bold claim about how this postseason will end. But it’s not just a casual take; it’s a full-on guarantee that SGA will win it all and take the Finals MVP along the way.
Kendrick Perkins Has Bold Predictions for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Perkins doesn’t mince words about his belief in Gilgeous-Alexander. The ESPN analyst and former Thunder big man made a bold prediction after SGA’s latest playoff heroics: not only is he unguardable, but he’s on track to win the NBA title and Finals MVP this year.
“Now he holds up the MVP trophy. And now he’s on his way to going to the NBA Finals, and he’s going to win the NBA championship, and he’s going to become Finals MVP,” Perkins said. “We’re watching a young man right now who is the best perimeter player in the game of basketball on the offensive end. Right now, the way that he’s playing, he’s unguardable. It’s not gonna stop.”
Kendrick Perkins says SGA is the greatest Thunder player of all time 👀
(h/t @MrBuckBuckNBA) pic.twitter.com/tJnfHWgIHN
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral)
The claim initially sounds outrageous, but Perkins may not be far off.
Gilgeous-Alexander has been the heart and soul of this Thunder team, averaging 29.8 points, 6.7 assists, and 5.6 rebounds across 13 playoff games in 2025. He’s shooting 47.5% from the field, and while his 3-point percentage (28.1%) hasn’t lit up the stat sheet, it hasn’t slowed him down.
SGA’s ability to break down defenses with mid-range pull-ups, soft finishes around the rim, and clutch free throws has made him one of the most unstoppable offensive players this postseason.
And the results speak for themselves. In Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals, SGA dropped 38 points, eight assists, and three steals on 12-of-21 shooting. The Thunder cruised to a 2-0 series lead over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Just six wins now stand between Shai and an NBA title.
What makes Perkins’ prediction more than just hot air is the structure around SGA. Jalen Williams, OKC’s rising star and All-NBA Third Team selection this year, has emerged as the perfect complement.
Williams is a two-way force – strong enough to drive through contact, smart enough to make extra passes, and steady enough to guard multiple positions. His 73 All-NBA points aren’t just a nod to his individual growth but a sign of how crucial he’s become to OKC’s system.
Together, SGA and Williams have formed a dynamic duo – one that blends scoring punch with unselfish play. Williams helps relieve defensive pressure off SGA, and his presence keeps the offense moving. The chemistry between them has powered Oklahoma City to one of the most efficient offenses in the league.
And let’s not forget this: SGA has already had nine 30+ point games this postseason. He’s not just consistent, he’s relentless.
Is Gilgeous-Alexander the Greatest Thunder Ever?
As if the MVP trophy and Finals talk weren’t enough, Perkins also reignited another debate, calling SGA the ‘greatest Thunder of all time,’ jumping past names like Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. That conversation deserves its own spotlight, but it adds more weight to how historic this run could be.
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There’s still work to do. Championship windows in the NBA are never guaranteed. But if Perkins is right, we could be witnessing the birth of a legend – one who not only lifts a trophy but redefines a franchise.
