It has been expected, more than expected, but the NBA already knows its best player of the season. Shai Gilgeous-Aalxander, Estrella de Los Oklahoma City ThunderNikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo have been imposed to take the MVP for the first time in his career.
As confirmed by the League itself, Shai takes the award at 26 years old and after led the Thunder towards the best record of the NBA. With a balance of 68 wins and only 14 losses, the Oklahoma City franchise was the best team of the regular seasonwith four advantage victories on Cleveland Cavaliers and 16 on its maximum persecutor in the west.
In addition, winning matches with the team, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander numbers have also been stratospheric. The base has averaged 32.7 points per game, being the top scorer of the season, has captured 5 rebounds and distributed 6.4 assists By meeting in the 76 duels he has played.
Redemption and follow the history of the NBA
Receiving this award, Shai uploads a more step that escaped the season 2023/2024. Last year, despite leading the Thunder for the best record of the West Conference (57 wins and 25 losses), The Canadian ended second in the vote of an MVP that ended in the hands of Nikola Jokic for the third time in the Serbian race. With that second place, Gilgeous-Alexander was selected to the first All-NBA team for the second consecutive year.
But now, having climbed to the highest place on this podium, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has written its name within a historic NBA milestonethat remains active. A milestone that was already going to be fulfilled because the Canadian competed against Jokic, Serbio, and Giannis, Greek, to get this MVP.
Until the 18/19 season, Steve Nash (2), Hakeem Olajuwon and Dirk Nowitzki were the only players born outside the United States who had taken the trophy to the best player. Since then, The next seven MVP have been for Jokic (3), Antetokounmpo (2), Joel Embiid, born in Cameroon and now Shai Gilgeous-Alexanderfrom Canada.
The ring of the ring
Although individual awards always comfort, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is focused on getting the biggest prize: the NBA champion ring. A title that this year has closer than ever, since 'SGA' is in the conference finals for the first time in his career.
And conference endings that have started very well for Oklahoma City. In the first meeting, Shai led the wide victory of the Thunder for 114 to 88 against the Minnesota Timberwolves with 31 points and 9 assists. A performance that they will want to repeat in the second game, which will be played at dawn from Thursday 22 to Friday 23, at 2:30 Spanish time.
