SGA's Trainer Reveals Text Thunder Star Sent After Watching Knicks Win 2026 NBA Title

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander may have gained some extra motivation to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder back to title contention by watching the New York Knicks lift the Larry O'Brien Trophy.

Trainer Nem Ilic told RG.org's Mark Medina he received a text from Gilgeous-Alexander just before the Knicks clinched the 2026 title in Game 5 against the San Antonio Spurs.

"I'm pissed. I can't believe I'm not here right now," Gilgeous-Alexander texted Ilic, per Medina.

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Gilgeous-Alexander then began working on scheduling on-court workouts with Ilic, according to Medina.

Ilic told Medina, "We were on vacation right around when Games 1 and 2 started. We watched that together. But I didn't get that same vibe until the series was actually over.

"Then it hit him that they lost and New York won the championship... He knew that he had to get back to the drawing board and get better again."

The Thunder lost the Western Conference Finals and the chance to defend their 2025 title despite Gilgeous-Alexander posting 35 points in Game 7 against the Spurs. Gilgeous-Alexander was apparently vacationing by the time Spurs tipped off the championship series against the Knicks four days later.

The Thunder parted ways this offseason with players including Luguentz Dort, Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins amid the franchise's apparent goal of staying under the second luxury tax apron.

Gilgeous-Alexander will hope players like Cason Wallace, Jared McCain and Ajay Mitchell can step up as the Thunder look to remain a contender this season, starting with an Oct. 20 conference finals rematch at the Spurs.