The hero behind the MVP! Alexander thanks former teammate Paul: He changed my eating habits

On May 24, famous reporter Spears wrote an article about Paul's help to Alexander. Paul is also one of the heroes behind this Thunder star who can be elected MVP. In the G2 of the Western Conference Final, Paul came to Russia to witness Alexander receiving the MVP trophy on the spot.

Of all the advice Paul has given, Alexander believes that the most valuable is diet management. Alexander, 26, revealed that he once loved cheesecakes and fast food, and even stolen Domino's pizza late at night was his "crime pleasure". And while in the Bubble Park, Paul completely changed his eating habits.

"I ate badly when I was young," Alexander said. "He taught me how to take care of my body and eat properly." In his first season of working with the two, Alexander averaged 19 points, 5.9 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game. In 2023, Alexander was selected as the All-Star for the first time. In 2024, Alexander's MVP votes second only to Nuggets center Jokic. This season, he finally defeated Jokic and won his first MVP trophy in his career.

"When he was still a rookie, I was very familiar with Jason Powell (Clippers trainer), even though I had left the Clippers at the time," Paul said. "Powell mentioned his professional attitude to me."

Paul reached the Western Conference Finals twice and helped the Suns reach the Finals in 2021. And Alexander and the Thunder are experiencing the team's first Western Conference Finals since 2016. After relocating from Seattle to Oscar in 2008, the Thunder reached the Finals only once in 2012 (losed to the Heat). The Thunder today has a great hope to strive for the first championship in the team history.

Although only 6 wins away from the championship, Alexander said it was easy for the team to focus on the Western Conference Finals G3.

"We have developed the habit of focusing on the next game throughout the season, only caring about the tasks in front of us, and now it is no exception," he said. "We are aware of the stage we are in, but if we deviate from the principle that makes us come here, we will only harm ourselves. This is our priority."

Paul was not surprised when he heard his beloved disciple say this. If the Thunder reach the finals, don't be surprised that Paul will return to Oxford to support his "little brother".

"At the end of the day, he only cares about winning." Paul said.