Shai Gilgeous-Alexander admits: “I didn’t like the way we won the title”

The Oklahoma City Thunder have opened their title defense with a red-hot start to the season.

They’re 14-1 through their first fifteen games and look every bit like the powerhouse that lifted the trophy last season. What makes the start even more impressive is that Jalen Williams still hasn’t suited up as he continues to recover from wrist surgery suffered in the NBA Finals against the Pacers, while Chet Holmgren has only appeared in eleven games.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has played all fifteen and he’s picked up right where he left off in his historic campaign last year when he won MVP, Finals MVP, Western Conference Finals MVP and the league’s scoring title. SGA is now averaging 31.9 points, 4.9 rebounds and 6.7 assists, and at 27 years old there’s every reason to believe there’s even more growth ahead.

With the Thunder rolling, he’s the early favorite to snag another MVP. And barring something unexpected, he and his team will enter the playoffs as one of the the clear favorites.

Still, after a recent win over the Kings, Shai made it clear he’s not satisfied with last year’s triumph.

“If I’m being completely honest, I didn’t like the way we won the title,” he said. “I hope you understand what I mean. We were champions, but I don’t think we played at our best.“

“We had never gone that far in the playoffs, and I think it was a learning process for us. It takes another level of focus, discipline, aggressiveness and assertiveness to do what we did in the regular season and then repeat it in the playoffs.”

And as the team’s leader, he sees it as his responsibility to set that standard. He has maintained his own high levels to start the 2025/26 season and he’s looking to bring that form into the postseason this year.

“We were much more dominant in the regular season, so that’s what stands out. And individually it was the same for me. I don’t think I played as well in the playoffs as I did in the regular season. Part of that is logical. You’re playing the same team up to seven times, so they can study you for days. But I think I should have played better to manage all that. And that mentality is what trickles down to the entire team.”

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.