We’re Just Getting Started!’ — SHAI GILGEOUS-ALEXANDER Dedicates MVP Award to OKC in Tearful Speech That Went Viral Overnight
The moment Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s name was announced as the NBA’s Most Valuable Player, the crowd inside Paycom Center erupted in a deafening roar that could be heard all the way across the Oklahoma River. Thunder fans, who had waited years for this moment, leaped to their feet, their cheers shaking the rafters as their franchise player stood at the podium, his usually composed demeanor cracking under the weight of the emotion. Tears welled in his eyes as he clutured the Maurice Podoloff Trophy, his voice trembling as he delivered a speech that would soon break the internet.
“This one’s for Oklahoma City,” SGA began, pausing to collect himself as the crowd’s applause swelled even louder. “The love y’all have shown me since Day One… I can’t even put it into words.” The camera zoomed in as a single tear rolled down his cheek—an image that would be screenshotted, memed, and shared thousands of times within minutes. But it was his next words that sent Thunder Nation into a frenzy: *“And I promise you… we’re just getting started.”*
The line instantly became a rallying cry. On social media, #WeJustStarted trended nationwide as fans, analysts, and even former players reacted to the speech. Kevin Durant, who knows a thing or two about MVP moments in OKC, tweeted a simple “🔥” with a thunder emoji. Meanwhile, Russell Westbrook reposted the clip on Instagram with the caption, “That’s MY guy.” The emotional weight of the moment wasn’t lost on anyone—this wasn’t just an MVP acceptance speech; it was a declaration. A promise. A love letter to the city that believed in him when others didn’t.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s journey to this award was anything but easy. When he arrived in Oklahoma City as part of the Paul George trade in 2019, he was seen as a promising young piece in a rebuild—not yet *the* guy. But season after season, he silenced doubters with his relentless work ethic, unguardable mid-range game, and ice-cold clutch performances. This year, he elevated himself into the league’s elite, averaging 30+ points per game while leading the Thunder to the top of the Western Conference—a feat nobody outside of OKC saw coming.
But what made his MVP speech so special wasn’t just the stats or the accolades—it was the raw, unfiltered gratitude he showed for the people who helped him get there. He thanked his teammates, calling them “my brothers” and emphasizing that the award was “a team effort.” He thanked Coach Mark Daigneault for trusting him to lead. He thanked his family, his mom especially, for their unwavering support. And then, of course, he thanked the fans. “Y’all stuck with me through the tough years,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “The losses, the rebuild, all of it. This is your trophy as much as it is mine.”
The reaction inside the arena was electric. Grown men wiped away tears. Teenagers in SGA jerseys screamed like they’d just won the lottery. Even the usually stoic Thunder owner Clay Bennett was caught on camera nodding with pride, his eyes glistening. It was one of those rare sports moments that transcended basketball—a reminder of why we love this game in the first place.
By the next morning, clips of the speech had amassed millions of views. ESPN ran it on loop. Barstool Sports turned SGA’s tearful pause into a reaction meme. And Thunder fans? They were already printing T-shirts with the phrase *“We’re Just Getting Started”* plastered across the chest. The phrase wasn’t just a soundbite; it was a mission statement. With a core of Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City isn’t just dreaming of championships anymore—they’re coming for them.
As the confetti settled and the MVP celebration wound down, one thing was clear: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander didn’t just win an award last night. He cemented his legacy as the heart and soul of a franchise—and gave Oklahoma City a night it would never forget. The future is bright. The foundation is set. And as SGA said through tears, arms raised to the roaring crowd… *they’re just getting started.*
