Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Wins Second Consecutive NBA MVP Award

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has secured the NBA’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) award for the second year in a row. His team, the reigning NBA champions, celebrated at the Thunder practice facility. The MVP acknowledged his teammates, emphasizing that team performance is crucial to individual recognition.

“Basketball’s obviously a team sport,” Gilgeous-Alexander stated. “All the numbers, all the accolades, everything that I do on the court, if we won 10 games I wouldn’t be in this conversation. So, thank you guys so much. I love you guys.” His teammates received new Burberry trenchcoats, golf bags, gift baskets, and watches as tokens of gratitude from the now two-time MVP.

Gilgeous-Alexander’s victory continues a trend of international players winning the MVP award. This marks the eighth consecutive MVP winner born outside the United States. This streak commenced with Giannis Antetokounmpo in 2019.

Gilgeous-Alexander garnered 83 out of 100 first-place votes, while Nikola Jokic received 10, and Victor Wembanyama earned five. Luka Doncic and Cade Cunningham rounded out the top five, with Cunningham being the first U.S.-born player since 2021 to receive first-place votes.

Thunder coach Mark Daigneault praised Gilgeous-Alexander, stating, “Who he is has never changed. I think he’s touched up the edges on his game and on his leadership and on his perspective.”

The Thunder face the Spurs in the Western Conference finals, with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver presenting the MVP trophy before the game. Jokic’s failure to win despite averaging a triple-double highlights the rarity of such achievements being rewarded with an MVP title.

Gilgeous-Alexander emphasizes team success over personal accolades. “The way things are run in this organization and this city, it breeds success,” he said. He also earned the Clutch Player of the Year award this season.

With an average of 31.1 points per game, he trails only Doncic. Gilgeous-Alexander has extended his record of games scoring 20+ points, showcasing his consistent performance. He values staying composed, contributing to the team’s success.

“Some of it is just luck,” Gilgeous-Alexander admitted. “I’m just lucky enough to be surrounded by great human beings, from the front office, coaching staff, to the guys that I play on the court with every night. We all want to see the next man win and do whatever it takes ultimately to win. We have that common goal.”