Former All-Star Says Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Might Be Saving the NBA
May 29, 2025
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The Oklahoma City Thunder are heading to the 2025 NBA Finals. It will be their first appearance since 2012, and in large part, it is thanks to their superstar guard, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
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Gilgeous-Alexander has proven that he is not only an elite player but also one of the top players in the league. He has consistently demonstrated this to be the case all season long, winning the 2024-25 NBA MVP award and leading his team to the NBA Finals, where he also won the Western Conference Finals MVP.
The 26-year-old has done his part to be the difference maker in the league, but former All-Star guard Jeff Teague is taking it to the next level regarding Gilgeous-Alexander.
On a recent episode of his podcast “Club 520,” Teague didn’t hold back when discussing the league’s MVP. Teague praised Gilgeous-Alexander, saying the Thunder star “saved the NBA” by excelling in the mid-range and ultimately capturing the MVP honor.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder celebrates with teammates after winning the Western Conference Finals MVP after defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves 124-94 in Game Five of the Western Conference Finals of the 2025… Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder celebrates with teammates after winning the Western Conference Finals MVP after defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves 124-94 in Game Five of the Western Conference Finals of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center on May 28, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Photo by William Purnell/Getty Images
“I wanna say something about SGA, though,” Teague said. “I think SGA saved the NBA. I guess is what I’m saying. I’m not saying ’cause of how he performed, but the way he play, he saved the NBA ’cause the NBA is a copycat league and he perfected the mid-range game.
“So he brought back the ability to be able to shoot mid-range shots because the game was either a three or a layup. I got crucified in Minnesota for wanting to shoot a mid-range shot if it wasn’t a three or a layup for analytics. And him being the MVP and his go-to shot is a mid-range shot, he literally just saved the NBA.”
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Gilgeous-Alexander has undeniably elevated his team to new heights. Despite facing his share of criticism, his talent and overall impact speak volumes.
The 2024-25 campaign was one to remember for the 26-year-old guard. He helped guide his team to a league-best 68 wins while putting up historic numbers. Gilgeous-Alexander led the NBA in scoring with 32.7 points per game, recorded 20 or more points in 72 straight contests, and topped the league in 20-point games (75), 30-point games (49), 40-point outings (13), and 50-point performances (4). It was a season that firmly cemented his superstar status.
During the season, Gilgeous-Alexander put up remarkable numbers, averaging 32.7 points on efficient shooting from the field at 51.9 percent. He also contributed 6.4 assists, 5.0 rebounds, 1.7 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game.
As far as the playoffs go, he is averaging 29.8 points per game, 5.7 rebounds, 6.9 assists and 1.6 steals in 16 games and 36.5 minutes of action. If Gilgeous-Alexander can lead his team to four more wins, more people may start thinking like Teague.
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For more on the Thunder and general NBA news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
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