In a season filled with breakout performances, electrifying moments, and fierce competition, one player stood above the rest — and now, it’s official. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Oklahoma City Thunder’s dynamic All-Star guard, has been named the 2024-2025 Kia NBA Most Valuable Player. The announcement solidifies his place among the basketball elite and marks a defining moment in what has already become a remarkable career.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP campaign was nothing short of spectacular. Averaging a league-best 32.7 points per game, he not only led all scorers but also did so with efficiency, poise, and a smoothness to his game that captivated fans and analysts alike. His scoring title wasn’t padded by volume shooting or stat-chasing — it was earned through masterful shot selection, precision footwork, and an uncanny ability to control the tempo of a game. In doing so, Gilgeous-Alexander joined legendary Hall of Famer Michael Jordan as the only players in NBA history to average over 32 points per game in consecutive seasons while leading their team to a top seed in their conference.
The 26-year-old guard’s journey to the top of the basketball world has been one of perseverance, development, and unwavering self-belief. Drafted 11th overall by the Charlotte Hornets in 2018 before being traded to the LA Clippers and then to the Thunder in the Paul George blockbuster deal, Gilgeous-Alexander has always been viewed as a player with star potential. But few could have predicted this meteoric rise into MVP territory. He has transformed from a promising young guard to the face of a resurgent Thunder franchise that finished with the best record in the Western Conference.
More than just a scorer, Gilgeous-Alexander’s all-around game took a leap this season. He averaged 6.8 assists, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.9 steals per game, displaying his versatility on both ends of the court. Defensively, he anchored the Thunder’s perimeter efforts with active hands, quick footwork, and a relentless motor. Offensively, he was unguardable in isolation, masterful in the pick-and-roll, and surgical in the mid-range. Whether driving to the basket with his deceptive speed and length or pulling up for smooth jumpers, he punished defenders in every imaginable way.
But what truly elevated Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP case was his impact on winning. The Thunder, once in the midst of a full-scale rebuild, turned heads across the league this season by finishing atop the Western Conference standings. With a 59-23 record, Oklahoma City was consistent, balanced, and dangerous — and it all ran through their MVP point guard. Time and time again, Gilgeous-Alexander came through in the clutch, leading his team to victories against title contenders and delivering unforgettable performances when it mattered most.
In a league loaded with talent — from reigning MVPs like Nikola Jokić and Joel Embiid to superstars like Luka Dončić, Jayson Tatum, and Giannis Antetokounmpo — Gilgeous-Alexander carved out his own spotlight. His consistency was staggering. He scored 30 or more points in 58 games this season, had multiple 40-point outings, and rarely had an off night. Even when defenses were designed to stop him, he adjusted, countered, and thrived. His ability to read the game, control pace, and make the right play in real time set him apart as both a scorer and a floor general.
Off the court, Gilgeous-Alexander’s calm demeanor, humility, and leadership were just as vital to the Thunder’s success. He embraced the role of leader with maturity and dedication, setting an example for Oklahoma City’s young core — including breakout stars like Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams. He was the bridge between youthful potential and veteran-level execution, and his presence gave the Thunder a belief that they could beat anyone on any night.
Throughout the season, MVP chants followed him from Oklahoma City to visiting arenas across the country. Social media buzzed with highlights of his euro steps, ankle-breaking crossovers, and clutch fadeaways. Analysts debated his MVP credentials week after week. His name wasn’t just in the conversation — it became the conversation. As the season progressed, his grip on the award tightened, and by April, it became clear that the league was witnessing something special.
The 2024-2025 campaign also saw Gilgeous-Alexander reach numerous milestones. He became the youngest player in franchise history to win the MVP, the first Thunder player to win the award since Russell Westbrook in 2017, and the third overall (joining Westbrook and Kevin Durant). In doing so, he helped restore the Thunder’s legacy of star-driven excellence while forging a new era of contention in the Western Conference.
Perhaps most impressively, he achieved all of this while maintaining elite efficiency. Gilgeous-Alexander shot 52.1% from the field, 38.6% from three, and 91.2% from the free-throw line — nearly joining the prestigious 50-40-90 club while shouldering one of the league’s heaviest offensive loads. His shot creation was a masterclass in balance and rhythm, never rushed, never forced. It was basketball poetry in motion.
From his calm, almost surgical precision on the court to his signature fashion-forward pregame fits off of it, Gilgeous-Alexander has become not only one of the league’s best players but also one of its most marketable. A global icon in the making, he represents the future of the NBA — an international superstar with style, substance, and a competitive fire that burns with every possession.
As the MVP award was announced, Gilgeous-Alexander accepted the honor with gratitude and reflection. “This means everything,” he said during his acceptance speech. “I’ve dreamed about this moment since I first picked up a basketball. But I didn’t get here alone — my teammates, coaches, family, and the fans in Oklahoma City — they all made this possible. This is for all of us.”
His words echoed the spirit of a player who has never been about individual glory, even as he ascended to the league’s highest individual honor. His humility has always matched his game — quietly confident, unfazed by the spotlight, and relentlessly driven.
The MVP nod now raises expectations for the Thunder heading into the playoffs. With Gilgeous-Alexander leading the charge, Oklahoma City is no longer the scrappy underdog — they’re legitimate title contenders. And with their young nucleus gaining postseason experience and a proven superstar at the helm, the Thunder’s future looks as bright as ever.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP season is not just a personal triumph — it’s a statement. It’s a declaration that Oklahoma City basketball is back. It’s proof that development, patience, and belief can transform a young roster into a powerhouse. And it’s a reminder that greatness doesn’t always come with fanfare — sometimes, it arrives quietly, steadily, and then all at once.
