BREAKING: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Named MVP

It’s official. After months of speculation and back-and-forth fierce competition among the league's top two vote getters, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been named the 2024–25 NBA Most Valuable Player. Edging out fellow finalists Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo, Shai capped off a stellar season with a defining performance in the Western Conference Semifinals—outdueling Jokic in a hard-fought seven-game series that all but sealed the deal. As the Thunder continue to surge through the Western Conference Finals, Shai’s campaign only grew stronger, solidifying one of the most compelling MVP campaigns in recent memory. Right now, it’s a good time to be a Thunder fan.

C/O to france24.com

Gilgeous-Alexander didn’t just win MVP—he earned it with historic efficiency. Leading the league in scoring with nearly 33 points per game, he paired that with 6 assists, 5 rebounds, and a staggering 52% shooting from the field. All of this while steering the Thunder to an NBA-best 68 wins. To put his season in perspective, the only other player in league history to average at least 30 points, 5 assists, 5 rebounds, and shoot over 50% in a single season is—Michael Jordan. Not bad company. Even more impressive, Shai joins just four Hall of Famers as one of the only players to average 30 points on 50% shooting in three consecutive seasons. On the defensive end, he ranked third in combined steals and blocks—proving that his MVP campaign wasn’t just about his offensive game.

As close as this MVP race was—and many, myself included, expected Nikola Jokic to claim his fourth—it’s impossible to ignore what unfolded in the Western Conference Semifinals. Jokic is incredible and remains at the pinnacle of elite basketball, but Shai’s aura right now is undeniable. Gilgeous-Alexander edged him out in one of the league’s most telling metrics: win shares per 48 minutes, leading the NBA at .309, just ahead of Jokic’s .307. Statistically, Shai was the best player on the league’s best team and the top scorer in the league—simple as that. Following this historic season, he now qualifies for a staggering four-year, $294 million supermax extension, which would carry the highest annual salary in NBA history at $73.3 million.

C/O to the sportsrush.com

And somewhere, the Clippers have to be regretting that trade. Oklahoma City landed Gilgeous-Alexander in 2019 in an effort to get Paul George—and today, SGA stands alone as a certified superstar. Now all that stands between Gilgeous-Alexander and the ultimate prize are two teams and just seven more wins. With Daigneault's defense directly responsible for taking Game 1 against the Timberwolves in the Conference Finals, it’s clear that the Timberwolves are in for a hefty battle. Things are looking scary for anyone in the Thunder's path. We’ll be keeping you updated every step of the way right here at Fans Only Sportz Network, so stay tuned—this ride is far from over.

Until next time!

-JP