Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Crowned NBA MVP: Thunder Star Ascends to League’s elite

OKLAHOMA CITY – Teh Oklahoma City Thunder have a new king, and his name is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. In a season that saw the Thunder surge to the top of the Western Conference, SGA, as he’s affectionately known, has been named the 2025 NBA MVP.[[1]]

This marks a meaningful milestone for both Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder franchise. He becomes only the third Thunder player to capture the coveted Maurice Podoloff Trophy, joining Kevin Durant (2014) and Russell Westbrook (2017) in the team’s illustrious history.[[1]] Furthermore, SGA follows in the footsteps of Steve Nash (2005, 2006) as only the second Canadian to earn MVP honors, solidifying his place among basketball’s international icons.

The MVP race was a closely contested battle, with Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokić, a three-time MVP himself, providing stiff competition. While Jokić’s overall statistics were undeniably remarkable, Gilgeous-Alexander’s impact on the Thunder’s remarkable regular-season success ultimately swayed the voters.[[2]]

Last year, Gilgeous-Alexander finished as the MVP runner-up to Jokić, fueling his determination to elevate his game even further. This season, he did just that, posting career-highs in points per game, assists, and three-point percentage. SGA led the league in scoring, averaging a dominant 32.7 points per game. He showcased his offensive prowess with four 50-point performances and nine games where he scored between 40 and 48 points.

Beyond scoring, gilgeous-Alexander demonstrated his all-around game, finishing second in the league in steals (131) and fourth in free-throw percentage (89.8%). He also contributed 6.4 assists and 5.0 rebounds per game,proving his value as a complete player.

When asked about the MVP award, Gilgeous-alexander told ESPN, During the season, you are very hard at not thinking about it. you are focusing to play basketball and improve and try to win matches. But as a competitor, and in your youth when you dream there, it’s always a bit in your mind.

Gilgeous-alexander’s scoring dominance puts him in rare company. Since 1987, only Michael Jordan and Joel Embiid have combined for more points while winning the MVP award, a testament to SGA’s offensive firepower.

Luguentz Dort: The Unsung Hero

while Gilgeous-Alexander rightfully receives the MVP accolades, the Thunder’s success is also attributed to the contributions of Luguentz Dort, a defensive stalwart. Dort, a Quebec native, is widely recognized throughout the league for his tenacious defense against the opposition’s top offensive threats. Despite his consistent impact, Dort has yet to receive All-Defensive Team recognition.

During the MVP declaration on TNT, analyst Charles Barkley addressed Gilgeous-Alexander directly, saying, Shai, I saw his statistics. He was never appointed to the best defensive team of the NBA? Gilgeous-Alexander responded, It’s crazy, it will be necessary to change everything quickly.

Barkley continued, I said it a few weeks ago, he is the best player through the NBA to defend the perimeter. When I saw that he had never been appointed to this all -star defensive team, I told myself that it was one of the worst statistics that I had never seen. You will tell him. SGA praised Dort’s contributions, stating, Without him, we know that we woudl not be this defense. He will harvest what he deserves soon.

Gilgeous-Alexander emphasized the importance of his long-time teammate, telling ESPN, he has been there since my arrival with the Thunder, so it’s been six years since we are teammates. We have gone through seasons of (22 and 24) victories, to the level where the club is now. He saw the best of me, the worst of me, when I’m furious, when I’m happy. We have crossed everything together in the NBA. To have it by my side on the course is special.

Thunder’s Championship Aspirations

With Gilgeous-alexander leading the charge, the Oklahoma City Thunder are now facing the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference Finals. Fresh off a dominant 114-88 victory in game 1, fueled by SGA’s 31 points, the Thunder are looking to continue their momentum and secure a spot in the NBA finals.

While Jokić and Giannis Antetokounmpo had stellar seasons, averaging 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists,and 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists,respectively,Gilgeous-Alexander’s overall impact and leadership propelled the Thunder to new heights. In the MVP voting, SGA received 71 first-place votes from a panel of 100 journalists and commentators, solidifying his victory.

The rise of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is not just a personal triumph but a testament to the Thunder’s commitment to player development and team building. As they continue their quest for an NBA championship,the league will be watching closely to see if SGA can lead Oklahoma city to the promised land.