At the Paycom Center, packed to celebrate the first title of the new era, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sank two free throws with 2.3 seconds remaining in the second overtime, sealing the night in perfect fashion for the ring ceremony. The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Houston Rockets 125-124 in a game that felt historic – with an unwelcome guest: Kevin Durant.

Durant, who was met with a chorus of boos upon his return to OKC, was wearing the Rockets’ jersey for the first time. Across from him stood the player who has taken on the legacy Durant left behind in 2016: Gilgeous-Alexander, now the reigning MVP and the undisputed face of the franchise.

The moment when the two crossed paths in the decisive play couldn’t have been more symbolic, though Shai claimed he didn’t think about it for even a second.

In those moments, I just think about finding my shot. Everything else disappears. We didn’t play well, but that’s okay. It’s better to learn from a win than from a loss

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

However, when Durant jumped on his fake and sent him to the line, fate decided to complete the circle. Two perfect free throws, a stadium in a frenzy, and yet another demonstration that Gilgeous-Alexander is now much more than a star: he is the emotional and technical anchor of a team that has learned to win.

It wasn’t a perfect game. But Shai knows what it means to stay in the game, even when things aren’t going your way. That’s what true leaders do

Mark Daigneault

According to ESPN, Gilgeous-Alexander is just the third reigning MVP in history to start the season with at least 35 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists, joining Steph Curry (2015) and Shaquille O’Neal (2000). But the Canadian, staying true to his humble style, preferred to emphasize how much more there is to improve.

Now, hanging from the ceiling of the Paycom Center is the first banner of the new Thunder generation. And beneath it, Gilgeous-Alexander continues to write his own story – one free throw at a time.