NBA Finals hero Shai Gilgeous-Alexander makes weary-eyed TV appearance after championship win

NBA Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has gone viral over his appearance on Good Morning America in the wake of the Thunder's Game 7 win over the Pacers.

The Canadian led Oklahoma City to its first ever NBA Championship in the winner-takes-all clash against Indiana on Sunday night.

Gilgeous-Alexander, who was named the NBA's Most Valuable Player for 2025 and then MVP for the Finals, appeared on TV the morning after the game. He was weary-eyed and appeared to be feeling the effects of the night before.  

'It's everything I imagined it to be,' he said about the feeling of being an NBA champion. 'The opportunity has been amazing and I’m happy and blessed to be a part of it.'

His demeanor prompted anchor Robin Roberts to ask if the NBA star had even been to sleep. 'You look a little sleepy,' she said.

‘I got some rest, not as much as I would like but, hey, you only live once,' Gilgeous-Alexander responded with a smirk.

On Tuesday, with temperatures exceeding 90 degrees, Oklahoma City celebrated its first major professional sports title with a championship parade for the Thunder. 

The team defeated the Indiana Pacers in Sunday's Game 7 to clinch the NBA title - its first since arriving from Seattle in 2008. 

Gilgeous-Alexander, All-Star Jalen Williams and their teammates passed through downtown Oklahoma City for the event.

Forward Chet Holmgren and backup center Branden Carlson each took the Larry O'Brien Trophy into the crowd at a few stops along the way, while teammate Jaylin Williams was seen slapping fives with some onlookers lining the streets. 

Isaiah Hartenstein also left his double-decker bus to mingle in the crowd during the parade. 

There was a heavy police presence in Oklahoma City, where one non-fatal shooting was reported in the aftermath of Sunday's Game 7 win.