Shai's Stellar Season: A New MVP Emerges

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the standout guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder, has secured the Michael Jordan Trophy as the 2024-25 Kia NBA Most Valuable Player. This marks his first time receiving this prestigious award, after narrowly missing out in previous seasons. Gilgeous-Alexander is now the second Canadian to achieve this honor, following in the footsteps of Steve Nash, who won it twice. He is also the third Thunder player to claim the MVP title, joining Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. Gilgeous-Alexander's performance this season was nothing short of extraordinary. He averaged an impressive 32. 7 points, 5. 0 rebounds, and 6. 4 assists per game. His contributions on the court were pivotal, as he set new career highs in points, assists, and blocks per game. This season, he also clinched the NBA scoring title for the first time, leading the league in multiple scoring categories. His consistency was remarkable, scoring at least 20 points in 75 games, with a single exception. The 6-foot-6 guard showcased his versatility and efficiency on the court. He shot 51. 9% from the field, a career-high 37. 5% from three-point range, and an impressive 89. 8% from the free-throw line. His defensive prowess was equally notable, as he was the only player to average at least 1. 5 steals and 1. 0 blocks per game. This dual threat made him a formidable presence on both ends of the court. Gilgeous-Alexander's impact extended beyond individual statistics. He was a key factor in the Thunder's dominant season, where they finished with a record-tying 68-14, the best in the NBA. The team's defensive rating was the top in the league, and they outscored their opponents by an average of 12. 9 points per game. His leadership and performance earned him multiple Player of the Month and Player of the Week awards, as well as a spot on the All-Tournament Team of the Emirates NBA Cup. The MVP award was determined by a global media panel of 100 voters, with the results tabulated by an independent accounting firm. This recognition underscores Gilgeous-Alexander's exceptional season and his significant contributions to the Thunder's success. His journey to the MVP title is a testament to his hard work, talent, and dedication to the game.