“Proud to call him my teammate” -- Chet Holmgren showered praise on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for having one of the greatest seasons by any player

Power forward Chet Holmgren, who himself has showed an impressive set of skills, went ahead to praise the NBA Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for having one of the greatest seasons by a player and leading the team to its well-deserved championship victory.

During the interview, Chet talked about the contributions the NBA MVP made towards the team and how it was always more than just about the personal achievements of the player.

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Chet Holmgren expresses his gratitude and appreciation for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, calls himself a proud friend of the NBA Finals MVP

Talking at the post-match interview, Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren, who joined hands alongside Jalen Williams and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to lead the team to championship victory, revealed his gratitude and appreciation towards the NBA MVP.

Reflecting on the journey of Gilgeous-Alexander throughout the season, Holmgren stated, “At the end of the day that is going to go down in history as one of the greatest seasons that's ever been had by a player.

You know it’s amazing to be a part of that.”

The player further continued, “Witness somebody going through it and succeeding in so many different ways.” Chet highlighted all the records that the MVP broke throughout the season, drafting and setting some of his own.

Along with all these achievements, Gilgeous-Alexander is not just about breaking records and being serious all throughout. Talking about the player’s presence within the team, Chet said, “He really makes it a joy to be around.

It’s never about him. It’s always about us. It’s always about winning. He is one hell of a basketball player. But he is a better person. I am proud to call him my teammate. I am proud to call him my friend.”

Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt announces a Champions Parade honoring the historic win of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led Oklahoma City Thunder

In a heartwarming post, Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt expressed his warm wishes and regards after the historic win by the Oklahoma City Thunder. Held at the Paycom Centre, the venue saw the Mayor relishing the finals Game 7 throughout its run till the end. Post the match, the Mayor announced a Champions Parade on June 24, 2025 at 10.30 am in honor of the unprecedented legacy set by the team.

Relishing the moment of victory, Holt wrote, “We Are The Champions.

After a historic regular season and a hard-fought playoff run, our Oklahoma City Thunder are the 2025 NBA Champions. Congratulations to the players, the coaches, the front office management, the staff and ownership. And of course, congratulations to our city. This is a moment we will each remember for the rest of our lives. OKC has achieved sports immortality.

Through the prism of that achievement, we stand in awe of how far our city has come.

Nearly two decades ago, our Thunder first declared that we would "rise together." That rise is now complete. In every way, this is our time, OKC.”The Mayor further announced the parade, urging the participation of each and every resident of the city in this grand celebration. What makes the win even more significant is that the championship trophy is the first one to be won by the team after winning for the first time in 1979. The team was then known as the Seattle SuperSonics.Also Read: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander named NBA Finals MVP after powering Oklahoma City Thunder to historic Game 7 win