Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Claims First MVP Award, Edges Out Jokic
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has finally reached the NBA’s pinnacle, winning his first MVP award after years of climbing the ladder.
After finishing fifth two seasons ago and second last year, SGA has officially dethroned Denver’s Nikola Jokic for the league’s highest individual honor.
The 26-year-old Canadian star put together a season for the history books, averaging 32.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 1.7 steals and a block while playing in 76 games.
Perhaps most impressively, he led the Thunder to a stunning 68-14 record – the best in the NBA.
SGA joined some truly elite company this season. He and Michael Jordan are now the only players in NBA history to average at least 32 points and 6 assists while shooting over 50% from the field. Jordan did it twice during his Bulls heyday (1988-89 and 1989-90).
“Once I became better off the court, my career started to skyrocket and it’s no coincidence,” Gilgeous-Alexander said about his personal growth contributing to his on-court success.
Jokic didn’t make the decision easy for voters. The Serbian big man put up mind-boggling numbers yet again – 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, 10.2 assists, and 1.8 steals per game while shooting an incredible 57.6% from the field and 41.7% from three-point range.
But the Nuggets’ 50-32 record fell well short of Oklahoma City’s dominance, likely costing Jokic his fourth MVP trophy.
This marks the fifth straight year Jokic has finished in the top two of MVP voting, having won the award three times during that stretch.
Gilgeous-Alexander becomes just the second Canadian to win MVP, joining Steve Nash who won back-to-back trophies in 2005 and 2006.
Interestingly, this is now the seventh consecutive season that a non-American player has claimed the MVP award. The streak includes Jokic, Joel Embiid (76ers), and Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks).
MVP Voting Results Hold Few Surprises
The rest of the voting played out largely as expected. Antetokounmpo secured third place with 88 of 100 third-place votes.
Celtics forward Jayson Tatum landed in fourth with 84 fourth-place votes, while Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell rounded out the top five.
SGA’s Massive Payday Coming
The MVP trophy comes with more than just prestige – it brings a massive financial opportunity.
By winning MVP, Gilgeous-Alexander now qualifies for a Super Max extension worth a staggering $380 million over five years. The deal would start at $65.5 million in 2027-28 and climb to $86.5 million by 2031-32.
This creates some fascinating financial challenges for Thunder GM Sam Presti. Rising stars Jalen Williams (now an All-Star) and Chet Holmgren will both be restricted free agents in 2026.
Fortunately, the Thunder have stockpiled an enormous amount of draft capital that could help them navigate these upcoming paydays.
One thing’s certain – Presti will be looking to maximize Oklahoma City’s championship window now that they have an MVP-caliber player leading the charge.
