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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander wasn't going to take this homecoming for granted.
Wearing his country's jersey for the first time since the 2024 Olympics, the OKC Thunder guard stepped onto the Shai Legacy Court at TD Coliseum in his hometown of Hamilton, Ontario, serenaded with a familiar chant.
M-V-P, M-V-P, the Canadian fans chanted.
The two-time reigning NBA MVP lived up to the billing Friday night, scoring 26 points to lead Canada to a 110-84 win over Puerto Rico in a FIBA World Cup 2027 Americas Qualifiers game.
"The game wasn't always close, Gilgeous-Alexander told reporters, "but you can never tell the way they were in it from start to finish. Hamilton might need an NBA team one day."
SGA and Canada (5-0) will host Jamaica in the final game of group play at 6 p.m. CT Monday in Hamilton.
Here's what else SGA had to say after Friday's win:
More: How did Aday Mara, Bennett Stirtz fare in OKC Thunder debut in NBA Summer League?
There was a moment in the second quarter when Gilgeous-Alexander connected with his cousin, Atlanta Hawks guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker, for an open look at a 3-pointer.
His cousin missed the shot, but that didn't stop SGA from smiling.
"We've been through every like step of our basketball career together," Gilgeous-Alexander said, "and to still be doing it at a high level together is an experience that it's hard to put into words and has me breaking character middle of the game."
More: NBA Summer League 2026: OKC Thunder roster, schedule and everything else to know
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will always be connected with Kawhi Leonard thanks to the 2019 Thunder-Clippers trade that sent Paul George to LA to team with Leonard, who was a free agent after leading the Raptors to the 2019 NBA title.
Meanwhile, SGA went to OKC (along with Danilo Gallinari and a treasure trove of draft picks that fueled the Thunder's rebuild).
The Clippers agreed on June 30 to trade Leonard back to Toronto for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick and several draft picks.
"For as long as I can remember, Toronto has loved the Raptors," Gilgeous-Alexander said. "The country's loved the Raptors. I don't think that'll ever change, no matter who plays for them. Um, but yeah, adding a guy like that to your roster, no matter where you're from or what team you are amplifies everything.
"Toronto should be a good team next year for sure."
More: Jared McCain report card: Thunder guard aces role after NBA trade deadline acquisition
SGA showed off a new look Friday night, ditching his braids for a buzzcut.
"I figured I should try something new," he said.
More: Aday Mara, Bennett Stirtz headline OKC Thunder storylines entering NBA Summer League play
Continue reading...
Wearing his country's jersey for the first time since the 2024 Olympics, the OKC Thunder guard stepped onto the Shai Legacy Court at TD Coliseum in his hometown of Hamilton, Ontario, serenaded with a familiar chant.
M-V-P, M-V-P, the Canadian fans chanted.
The two-time reigning NBA MVP lived up to the billing Friday night, scoring 26 points to lead Canada to a 110-84 win over Puerto Rico in a FIBA World Cup 2027 Americas Qualifiers game.
"The game wasn't always close, Gilgeous-Alexander told reporters, "but you can never tell the way they were in it from start to finish. Hamilton might need an NBA team one day."
SGA and Canada (5-0) will host Jamaica in the final game of group play at 6 p.m. CT Monday in Hamilton.
Here's what else SGA had to say after Friday's win:
More: How did Aday Mara, Bennett Stirtz fare in OKC Thunder debut in NBA Summer League?
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on playing with cousin Nickeil Alexander-Walker
There was a moment in the second quarter when Gilgeous-Alexander connected with his cousin, Atlanta Hawks guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker, for an open look at a 3-pointer.
His cousin missed the shot, but that didn't stop SGA from smiling.
"We've been through every like step of our basketball career together," Gilgeous-Alexander said, "and to still be doing it at a high level together is an experience that it's hard to put into words and has me breaking character middle of the game."
More: NBA Summer League 2026: OKC Thunder roster, schedule and everything else to know
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on Kawhi Leonard trade from Clippers to Raptors
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will always be connected with Kawhi Leonard thanks to the 2019 Thunder-Clippers trade that sent Paul George to LA to team with Leonard, who was a free agent after leading the Raptors to the 2019 NBA title.
Meanwhile, SGA went to OKC (along with Danilo Gallinari and a treasure trove of draft picks that fueled the Thunder's rebuild).
The Clippers agreed on June 30 to trade Leonard back to Toronto for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick and several draft picks.
"For as long as I can remember, Toronto has loved the Raptors," Gilgeous-Alexander said. "The country's loved the Raptors. I don't think that'll ever change, no matter who plays for them. Um, but yeah, adding a guy like that to your roster, no matter where you're from or what team you are amplifies everything.
"Toronto should be a good team next year for sure."
More: Jared McCain report card: Thunder guard aces role after NBA trade deadline acquisition
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on his haircut
SGA showed off a new look Friday night, ditching his braids for a buzzcut.
"I figured I should try something new," he said.
More: Aday Mara, Bennett Stirtz headline OKC Thunder storylines entering NBA Summer League play
Continue reading...
