Chet Holmgren, after the Oklahoma City Thunder secured a 2-0 series lead against the New Orleans Pelicans, lauded his teammate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander during a postgame interview, proclaiming him as the league MVP.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s stellar performance against the Pelicans, where he tallied 33 points, five assists, three rebounds, and two steals, showcased his dominance on the court. His remarkable efficiency, shooting 13-of-19 from the field and 3-of-5 from beyond the arc, left the Pelicans struggling to contain him.
Throughout the game, whenever the Pelicans attempted to mount a comeback, Gilgeous-Alexander countered with his ability to penetrate defenses, knock down shots from long range, or create scoring opportunities for his teammates.
His versatility and consistency denied the Pelicans any chance of turning the tide in their favor. Gilgeous-Alexander’s performance earned him recognition as one of the MVP finalists alongside Luka Dončić and Nikola Jokić.
Despite Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP-caliber display, Nikola Jokić remains the frontrunner for the award, having secured the top spot in NBA.com’s MVP ladder. With three MVP titles in the last four years, Jokić stands as a testament to his unparalleled individual prowess and current status as the league’s premier player.
However, the 25-year-old Gilgeous-Alexander’s exceptional performance suggests that he is a formidable contender for future MVP honors, showcasing the potential to establish himself among the NBA’s elite.
As Gilgeous-Alexander continues to excel on the court, his trajectory indicates a promising future, with the likelihood of securing MVP accolades at some point in his career. His remarkable skill set, coupled with his youth and determination, positions him as a significant force in the league, poised to make significant contributions and potentially reshape the landscape of NBA leadership in the years to come.
