Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein has made a clear statement: his teammate, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, is a deserving candidate for the Most Valuable Player award – and for decent reason. The reigning NBA champion and his team are currently navigating a challenging stretch, having recently had a 12-game win streak snapped by the Boston Celtics on March 26, 2026.
Hartenstein’s praise for Gilgeous-Alexander isn’t new, but it carries added weight coming from a player who experienced a championship run alongside the Thunder star. The Oklahoma City franchise, fresh off its first NBA championship in the 2024-25 season, is now focused on maintaining its position atop the Western Conference standings.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s Humility Stands Out
Hartenstein recently appeared on Podcast P with Paul George, reflecting on his first full season with the Thunder and highlighting Gilgeous-Alexander’s exceptional character. He described the star guard as possessing a rare quality in professional sports: a complete lack of ego. “He has no ego,” Hartenstein said, as reported by Hardwood Heroics. “There’s no ‘I’m just gonna score, I’m trying to make it by myself’ — it’s never that.”
This selflessness was evident even early in the season, Hartenstein recounted. In one instance, Gilgeous-Alexander made a pass to Hartenstein, who was then trapped and forced to pass to another teammate for a shot. Hartenstein, anticipating an assist, apologized for not finishing the play himself. Gilgeous-Alexander’s response was telling: “I don’t care. I just wanna win.”
Hartenstein emphasized that Gilgeous-Alexander’s focus isn’t on individual accolades, even while putting up impressive numbers. “He’s trying to make the team as best as possible,” Hartenstein explained. “Him playing on both ends of the court — I think that’s something that’s super underrated. He plays defense.”
A Championship Season Built on Teamwork
Gilgeous-Alexander’s 2024-25 campaign was a historic one, culminating in a regular season MVP award, a Western Conference Finals MVP, an NBA championship, and the NBA Finals MVP. The Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers in a seven-game series to secure the title. Hartenstein’s comments underscore that Gilgeous-Alexander’s success isn’t solely based on individual brilliance, but on his ability to elevate the play of those around him.
The Thunder’s journey to the championship involved navigating two seven-game series, a testament to their resilience and teamwork. Hartenstein’s arrival in Oklahoma City proved pivotal, adding a veteran presence and defensive anchor to a young, dynamic roster.
Beyond the Stats: Gilgeous-Alexander’s Defensive Commitment
While Gilgeous-Alexander’s offensive prowess is widely recognized – he averaged 30.3 points on 44.3% shooting, 5.6 assists, 4.6 rebounds, 1.9 steals, and 1.6 blocks per game in the NBA Finals – Hartenstein highlighted his commitment on the defensive end. This dedication sets a powerful example for the entire team.
“You can’t just go pick on him, and he tries on defense,” Hartenstein said. “It’s not like I settled for five seconds. I’m tired. I’m gonna just chill on defense. He doesn’t do that. When you spot that, it just gives us the push, gives us the confidence that he’s gonna do it on both sides of the court, for sure.”
This two-way commitment is a key component of Gilgeous-Alexander’s leadership and a major reason why Hartenstein believes he deserves MVP consideration. It’s a quality that extends beyond statistics and into the realm of intangible leadership.
What’s Next for the Thunder?
Following their recent loss to the Celtics, which ended their 12-game winning streak, the Thunder will look to rebound quickly. Their next game is scheduled for March 29, 2026, against the Denver Nuggets at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. Tip-off is set for 8:00 PM CT (UTC-5). The team will need Gilgeous-Alexander’s continued leadership and Hartenstein’s interior presence to navigate the remainder of the regular season and prepare for another playoff run.
The Thunder’s success hinges on maintaining the team-first mentality that Hartenstein so highly praises in Gilgeous-Alexander. As they aim for back-to-back championships, that commitment to collective success will be more crucial than ever.
What do you think? Is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander the clear MVP frontrunner? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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