Indiana Pacers Coach Offers High Praise for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
As the Oklahoma City Thunder head to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2012, they face the Indiana Pacers, with both teams aiming for their first-ever NBA Championship. The series begins Thursday, June 5, at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.
The Thunder are heavy favorites, largely due to the presence of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who was named the NBA MVP this season. The Kentucky product led the league in scoring and is widely regarded as one of the top players in the game today—arguably a top-three talent in the NBA.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s game is marked by his ability to control the pace, find his spots effortlessly, and hit mid-range shots with defenders in his face. His scoring consistency is unparalleled, a testament to his exceptional skills.
Before the Finals began, the Pacers held a practice session in preparation for their trip to Oklahoma City. During the media availability, Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle was asked about Gilgeous-Alexander, and he didn’t hold back in his praise for the Thunder star.
“He was born to be great,” Carlisle said. “You can just tell. He has this calm demeanor, an unflappable attitude, and incredible belief in himself. Watching him from afar, it’s breathtaking. He makes it look effortless. Scoring 30 points in any game is tough, but doing it consistently for two straight years in the NBA is incredible.”
Carlisle’s comments offer a rare, insightful take on Gilgeous-Alexander’s remarkable scoring ability, particularly given the tendency of some coaches in previous series to focus more on foul discussions rather than basketball analysis.
As Gilgeous-Alexander aims for his first NBA Championship, he’s also chasing a potential clean sweep of MVP honors: winning the League MVP, Western Conference Finals MVP, and possibly NBA Finals MVP as well.
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