Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Named NBA’s Most Valuable Player After Historic Season

Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been crowned the NBA’s Most Valuable Player, capping off a standout season in which he led his team to a league-best record and claimed the scoring title.

Gilgeous-Alexander, 25, becomes the first Canadian since Steve Nash to win the prestigious award and the seventh consecutive international-born player to take home MVP honors. The Thunder guard received 71 of 100 first-place votes, edging out Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, who claimed the remaining 29.

The announcement follows a season of dominance for Gilgeous-Alexander, who averaged 32.7 points, 6.4 assists, and five rebounds per game. Under his leadership, Oklahoma City finished 68-14 and set an NBA record with a 12.9-point average margin of victory.

In an emotional moment following the announcement, Gilgeous-Alexander reflected on his journey. “I don’t think there’s enough emphasis on how much off the court influences on the court,” he said. “Once I became better off the court, my career started to skyrocket. It’s no coincidence.”

The MVP marks another milestone in a breakout campaign for Gilgeous-Alexander, who was the No. 11 pick in the 2018 draft. He is the first guard to win MVP since James Harden in 2018.

Teammates and peers were quick to praise his growth and leadership. “His value is his confidence,” said Thunder forward Kenrich Williams. “He brings belief to every one of us.”

Despite a historic season of his own, Jokic — a three-time MVP — finished second. The Serbian big man averaged 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists, becoming the first center to average a triple-double for a season.

Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo, a two-time MVP and the first in the current international streak to win the award, came in third after averaging 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists.

Gilgeous-Alexander credited Canadian legend Steve Nash for inspiring his career. “He was the first Canadian basketball player I knew of,” he said. “To be in a conversation with him is special.”

The MVP win may lead to a lucrative contract extension, potentially surpassing $300 million. But for Gilgeous-Alexander, the recognition is about more than money. “I’d rather have the MVP over a Rolex every day of the week,” he said, acknowledging the support of his teammates, to whom he gifted watches.

With this award, Gilgeous-Alexander not only cements his place among the league’s elite but also continues the surge of international talent redefining the modern NBA.