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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Tyrese Haliburton Took Roads Less Traveled to Stardom in the NBA Finals (Copy)
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers lead their teams in the 2025 NBA Finals.
- Both players followed unexpected paths, with Haliburton overlooked by major colleges until late and traded in 2022 for All-Star Domantas Sabonis, while Gilgeous-Alexander developed steadily from Canada.
- Gilgeous-Alexander, who secured the league MVP award by leading the regular season with an average of 32.7 points per game, has posted playoff averages close to 30 points along with nearly six rebounds and seven assists each game. Meanwhile, Haliburton brings experience as a two-time All-Star and has also earned an Olympic gold medal.
- Haliburton said the Pacers took a chance on him, and despite detractors calling him overrated, he averages 18.8 points and 9.8 assists in the postseason, while Gilgeous-Alexander described this journey as 'a roller coaster.'
- Their rise suggests an intriguing Finals backcourt matchup showcasing determination and overlooked talent overcoming early doubts to achieve NBA stardom.
51 Articles
51 Articles
When the ball is set in motion this Thursday at the NBA final (early Thursday to Friday in Spain, at 2.30, Movistar), the fans’ eyes will focus on the bases on the court: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers. One is a Canadian-born player of elegant style. The other, originally from Wisconsin, has cold blood to decide the matches to the sound of the horn. SGA is the league’s MVP, while Haliburton …
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Tyrese Haliburton took roads less traveled to stardom in the NBA Finals (copy)
OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Indiana’s Tyrese Haliburton weren’t expected to ever be starring in leading roles on the NBA Finals stage.
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