Shai Gilgeous-Alexander didn’t just return to his hometown of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada — he brought a championship with him.
HAMILTON'S HOMETOWN HERO 🏆
— NBA (@NBA) August 7, 2025
Shai brought the @nbafinalstrophy out for SGA Rally Day 🎉
Inside Hamilton Stadium’s north end zone, the reigning NBA MVP stood with the Larry O’Brien Trophy in one hand and the key to the city in the other.
That was because Mayor Andrea Horwath had just declared that a street would soon bear his name — a lasting tribute to the kid from Steel City who led the Oklahoma City Thunder to their first NBA championship.
“Growing up and traveling across the world — to countless states, cities, and countries — people always asked where I was from,” Gilgeous-Alexander said in front of the massive crowd.
He added: “I took pride in letting everyone know I was from Hamilton.”
He paused, scanning the thousands of fans packed into the stadium for “Shai Rally Day” — a citywide celebration for the first ever player in league history to win the scoring title, regular season, MVP, West Finals MVP, and Finals MVP.
“Hamilton is different from every other city in Ontario. Hamiltonians carry a unique sense of grit, determination, pride, and energy that sets us apart. Honestly, I couldn’t shy away from that. I carry it with me every day, everywhere I go,” SGA bared.
All love between @shaiglalex and his city! https://t.co/efb7XLW6uD
— NBA (@NBA) August 7, 2025
The celebration didn’t end at the rally. Hours later, Gilgeous-Alexander was back on the stadium turf, honored during the Hamilton Tiger-Cats game against the B.C. Lions.
“You can do anything you want to do… especially if you’re from Hamilton!”
— NBA (@NBA) August 8, 2025
All love between SGA & his city at Hamilton Stadium to wrap up SGA Day!
For the 26-year-old superstar, the accolades, street sign, and ceremonial key were more than just symbols. They were reminders of the place that built him — the place he still calls home.
“I loved telling people what Steel City meant to me,” SGA said. “Honestly, I couldn’t shy away from that. I carry it with me every day.”
