Shai Gilgeous Alexander crowned NBA MVP, city celebrates historic reign

Oklahoma City Thunder's superstar guard, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, has officially claimed his first NBA MVP award, cementing his place among the league's elite. The prestigious honor, announced earlier this week, recognizes a season in which the 26-year-old not only secured the scoring title but also guided the Thunder to an astonishing 68 wins, the most in the entire league. In a show of profound appreciation, Gilgeous-Alexander celebrated his MVP status by purchasing Rolex watches for his fellow Thunder teammates, a gesture revealed at a news conference where he was flanked by his appreciative squad. Further cementing his impact, Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt yesterday declared Thursday, May 22, 2025, as "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Day."

Gilgeous-Alexander's MVP victory was decisive, as he garnered 71 of the 100 first-place votes. Nikola Jokic, the two-time MVP, finished as the runner-up with the remaining 29 first-place votes, following what was arguably his best career season. However, Gilgeous-Alexander's historical campaign, coupled with the Thunder's league-leading point differential and 18 more victories than Jokic's Nuggets, swayed voters in his favor.

'I dreamt about it as a kid...'

Reflecting on the monumental achievement, Gilgeous-Alexander became emotional, expressing deep gratitude to his wife and acknowledging the surreal nature of realizing a childhood dream. "I dreamt about it as a kid, but as a kid, it's a fake dream," he shared, highlighting his journey from humble aspirations to basketball's pinnacle.

His MVP season statistics were truly exceptional: Gilgeous-Alexander led the league with 32.7 points per game on highly efficient 51.9% shooting from the floor. He also averaged 6.4 assists, 5.0 rebounds, 1.7 steals, and 1.0 blocks. This statistical output places him in an exclusive club, as only Michael Jordan has previously achieved such all-around numbers (30+ PPG on 50%+ FG, 5+ RPG, 5+ APG, 1.5+ SPG, 1+ BPG) in a single season, a feat Jordan accomplished in his first two MVP campaigns. Furthermore, Gilgeous-Alexander has now averaged at least 30 points on better than 50% shooting for three consecutive seasons, a consistency matched only by legends like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Wilt Chamberlain, and Jordan—all multiple MVP winners.

Beyond his offensive prowess, Gilgeous-Alexander was a cornerstone of Oklahoma City's top-ranked defense, ranking third in "stocks" (steals and blocks combined) this season, showcasing his elite two-way impact. This MVP award marks the third in Thunder franchise history, joining Kevin Durant (2014) and Russell Westbrook (2017). His historic season also makes him eligible to sign an unprecedented four-year, $294 million supermax extension this summer, which would represent the highest annual value in league history.

As Kenrich Williams, his Thunder teammate for five seasons, succinctly put it, Gilgeous-Alexander's greatest value lies in "His confidence that he has in himself and the confidence that he instills in every one of his teammates, including the coaches." This blend of individual brilliance and leadership has undoubtedly redefined the Thunder's trajectory and etched Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's name into NBA history.