Proud papa John Haliburton has stolen the show as the parent of the playoffs.
Vaughn Alexander would like to have a word. The father of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was on site Wednesday night as his son led the Thunder into the NBA Finals with a dominant Game 5 win over Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference finals. He was glowing after the win.
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After the game, Gilgeous-Alexander was named Western Conference finals MVP via unanimous vote after he scored 31-plus points in each of Oklahoma City’s wins, including a 34-point, eight-assist, seven-rebound effort in Wednesday’s clincher.
When the dust settled on the postgame ceremony, Gilgeous-Alexander gathered on the court with family and friends, including his dad. His dad got a hold of the MVP trophy. And we wouldn’t let go.
“You’re acting like it’s yours,” Gilgeous-Alexander said with smile as Alexander held the trophy while the pair posed for a photo. Alexander didn’t respond by giving it back.
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He pretended to stash it in his pocket the held on to it for another photo, this time with friends and family. Keep watching for the one-handed trophy toss at the end.
Papa Alexander is proud, indeed, and soaking up the moment of his son’s greatest career triumph. There’s no word yet if Gilgeous-Alexander has gotten the trophy back.