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Chris Paul’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Statement Before Thunder-Wolves Game 2

Spurs free agent Chris Paul spoke on Thunder MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on ESPN before their Game 2 against the Timberwolves
Matt Guzman|
May 22, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) signs autographs before game two against the Minnesota Timberwolves of the western conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center.
May 22, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) signs autographs before game two against the Minnesota Timberwolves of the western conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. | Brett Rojo-Imagn Images

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Oklahoma City ThunderSan Antonio Spurs

SAN ANTONIO — With only four teams remaining in the NBA Playoffs, the league's broadcast partners have begun to find on-air talent from previously eliminated teams.

ESPN brought on former Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone following his dismissal and Denver's elimination by the Oklahoma City Thunder. For Thursday's Game 2 contest between the Thunder and the Minnesota Timberwolves, Chris Paul joined him.

Paul had nothing but praise for his former teammate.

“(Shai Gilgeous-Alexander) is selfless," Paul said of the league's Most Valuable Player. "He hoops, he lets his game do the talking ... he (doesn't) say much.”

This season, Gilgeous-Alexander led the league in scoring and averaged 32.7 points, five rebounds and 6.4 assists en route to his first career MVP Award. He led Oklahoma City to an NBA-best 68-14 record as the Western Conference's No. 1 seed, and it is now seeking its first title in franchise history.

If you asked Gilgeous-Alexander, he'd credit Paul for his mentorship during his lone season with the Thunder. As for Paul, he also has fond memories of that season.

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) dribbles past San Antonio Spurs guard Chris Paul (3)
Mar 2, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) dribbles past San Antonio Spurs guard Chris Paul (3) in the second half at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images | Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images

“That year I played in Oklahoma City is something I’ll never forget,” Paul said. “The fans were amazing. I always hate that that season got cut short because of COVID-19. That was a big season, big summer for me, going through things I hadn’t gone through since I’d been in the league.”

Now, the young point guard who trained under Paul is looking like a favorite to win both a championship and the Finals MVP Award. He's just six wins away.

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Matt Guzman
MATT GUZMAN

Matt Guzman is a sports journalist and storyteller from Austin, Texas. He serves as a credentialed reporter and site manager for San Antonio Spurs On SI. In the world of professional sports, he’s a firm believer that athletes are people, too. He aims to spotlight the true, behind-the-scenes character of players and teams through strong narrative writing and sharp, hooking ledes.

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