A Golden Performance

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander capped off a remarkable season with a standout performance in Game 7, posting 29 points, 5 rebounds, 12 assists, 1 steal, and 2 blocks in 40 minutes. His series average of 30.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 5.6 assists underscored his dominance, earning him the Bill Russell NBA Finals MVP award alongside the Larry O’Brien Trophy. SGA’s ability to balance composure with fierce competitiveness—described by teammate Alex Caruso as a “deep, deep-rooted competitiveness” beneath a “stoic personality”—was on full display.

As the final buzzer sounded, SGA celebrated with his loved ones in the stands, a gold pair of his signature Converse SHAI 001 sneakers draped around his neck. The metallic gold colorway, mirroring the gleam of the championship trophies, was impossible to ignore during his postgame interview with ESPN’s Lisa Salters. This moment cemented SGA not only as a basketball superstar but also as a cultural icon whose style resonates far beyond the court.

The Converse SHAI 001 “Trophy Gold”

Converse, recognizing SGA’s historic achievements, presented him with a one-of-a-kind pair of the Converse SHAI 001 in “Trophy Gold” immediately after the Game 7 victory. Unlike other colorways of the SHAI 001, such as the “Masi Blue” dedicated to his brother Thomasi or the upcoming “Butter” set for a Fall 2025 release, the “Trophy Gold” is exclusively for SGA and not available for public purchase. The golden hue symbolizes his triple crown of accolades in 2025: NBA scoring champion, regular-season MVP, and Finals MVP.

The SHAI 001, designed with SGA’s input as Converse’s “Creative Director of Basketball,” features a sleek upper, a sculpted midsole for stability, and an outsole optimized for quick cuts—perfect for SGA’s shifty, midrange-heavy game. The “Trophy Gold” colorway elevates this design with a luxurious metallic finish, aligning with SGA’s reputation as the NBA’s “most stylish man,” a title bestowed by GQ multiple times. Converse’s decision to create this exclusive pair underscores their strategic partnership with SGA, a stroke of luck that began when they signed him in 2019 during his rookie season with the Los Angeles Clippers.

A Symbol of Legacy and Style

SGA’s choice to debut a new SHAI 001 colorway for each round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs built anticipation among fans and sneakerheads alike. The “Trophy Gold” was the grand finale, unveiled in a moment of triumph that felt scripted for Hollywood. As he hoisted his trophies, the sneakers’ golden shimmer complemented his fur-lined outfits and signature shades, reinforcing his unique aura. Posts on X captured the excitement, with users like @TomerAzarly noting Converse’s swift presentation of the “TROPHY GOLD” SHAI 001s, and @workingclassfc praising SGA’s confidence in his promotional rollout.

Converse capitalized on the moment with a ready-to-go advertisement featuring childhood photos of SGA interspersed with footage of him in the SHAI 001, narrating his lifelong love for basketball and family support. “Shai represents everything Converse Basketball stands for—creativity, confidence, and a fearless approach to the game,” said Converse CEO Jared Carver. This campaign not only celebrated SGA’s achievements but also positioned the SHAI 001 as a must-have sneaker, with the “Butter” colorway set to retail for $130 later in 2025.

The Bigger Picture

SGA’s Game 7 performance and his “Trophy Gold” sneakers mark a pivotal moment for both the Thunder and Converse. For Oklahoma City, SGA has revived the franchise’s fashion legacy, once defined by Russell Westbrook, James Harden, and Serge Ibaka. For Converse, SGA’s success validates their early investment in a then-unproven rookie, turning a potential risk into a marketing triumph. His ability to blend on-court brilliance with off-court charisma—evident in his Chanel cross-body bags and Realtree camo playoff fits—makes him a unique ambassador for the brand.

As SGA reflected postgame, joining the elite group of players like Shaquille O’Neal who won a scoring title, regular-season MVP, and Finals MVP in the same season felt surreal. Yet, his grounded approach—“I don’t try to complicate it,” he said of Game 7—keeps him relatable. The “Trophy Gold” SHAI 001s, while unattainable for fans, symbolize this balance: a rare, glittering reward for a player who makes the extraordinary look effortless.

Looking Ahead

While the “Trophy Gold” SHAI 001s remain exclusive, fans can anticipate the “Butter” colorway this fall, offering a chance to own a piece of SGA’s legacy. As SGA continues to redefine NBA stardom, his partnership with Converse will likely yield more innovative designs, each telling a story of family, triumph, and style. For now, the image of SGA with his gold sneakers around his neck, trophies in hand, and MVP chants echoing through Paycom Center will endure as a defining moment of the 2025 NBA Finals.

Whether you’re a Thunder fan, a sneaker enthusiast, or simply in awe of SGA’s game, the “Trophy Gold” SHAI 001s are a reminder that greatness shines brightest under pressure. Here’s to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the MVP who brought gold to OKC—on his feet and in his hands.