Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has officially been named the 2025 NBA Most Valuable Player, marking a major milestone in his career. After leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to an impressive league-best 68 wins and clinching his first scoring title, the 26-year-old guard received 71 out of 100 first-place votes.
His MVP win was announced just days after helping the Thunder defeat reigning MVP Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets in a dramatic Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinals. The Thunder celebrated the achievement with a press event, where Gilgeous-Alexander, flanked by teammates sporting Rolex watches he had gifted them, expressed heartfelt gratitude to his family and team.
Historic Stats and Elite Company Cement Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP Legacy in Oklahoma City
Gilgeous-Alexander had a statistically dominant season, averaging 32.7 points per game on 51.9% shooting, along with 6.4 assists, 5.0 rebounds, 1.7 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game. These all-around numbers put him in elite company, matching feats only accomplished by Michael Jordan during his MVP seasons in the late 1980s and early ’90s.
His performance helped Oklahoma City set a new NBA record with a +12.9 point differential, further validating his MVP claim. Despite Jokic having one of his best statistical years—nearly averaging a triple-double—Gilgeous-Alexander’s historic campaign and team success tipped the scales in his favor.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Wins MVP as Thunder’s Historic Season Signals Shift in NBA PowerThis MVP win places Gilgeous-Alexander alongside Oklahoma City legends Kevin Durant (2014) and Russell Westbrook (2017) as the third player in franchise history to earn the honor. He also became only the 10th player in NBA history to lead the league in scoring for a team that won at least 60 games—a feat that almost always results in an MVP award.
His consistent elite play over the last three seasons, averaging 30+ points on over 50% shooting, has already drawn comparisons to legends like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Wilt Chamberlain, and Jordan—all of whom have multiple MVPs.
Two-Way Excellence and Leadership Propel Gilgeous-Alexander to MVP and Historic Contract
While known for his offensive prowess, Gilgeous-Alexander also played a crucial role in Oklahoma City’s top-ranked defense. He recorded 208 combined steals and blocks (known as “stocks”), ranking third in the league. His leadership and confidence were repeatedly highlighted by teammates like Kenrich Williams, who praised how Gilgeous-Alexander’s belief in himself inspired the entire team. His defensive impact, combined with his scoring efficiency, helped round out a profile rarely seen in MVP history.
Having already earned All-NBA First Team honors in each of the past two seasons, Gilgeous-Alexander is now eligible for a record-setting four-year, $294 million supermax extension—the highest annual salary in league history. With his recent MVP award and continued rise, he is positioning himself as one of the central figures in the NBA’s future.
The final MVP voting saw Jokic finish second, followed by Giannis Antetokounmpo in third and Jayson Tatum in fourth. Meanwhile, veterans like LeBron James continued to garner recognition, showing how the league is shifting as new stars emerge. Gilgeous-Alexander’s victory signals a significant change in the NBA’s balance of power, placing Oklahoma City at the forefront.
