Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been honored with the Michael Jordan Trophy as the 2024-25 Kia NBA Most Valuable Player. This marks Gilgeous-Alexander’s first MVP award, having previously finished second in the voting last season and fifth in the 2022-23 season. He joins the ranks of two-time winner Steve Nash as the second Canadian to achieve this honor, and becomes the third player in Thunder history to do so, following Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.
During the regular season, Gilgeous-Alexander displayed remarkable performance, averaging 32.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 1.72 steals, and 1.01 blocks over 76 games. He achieved career-best numbers in points, assists, and blocks, and claimed the NBA scoring title for the first time. He led the league in games scoring at least 20 points (75), 30 points (49), 40 points (13), and 50 points (four), a feat not seen since James Harden in the 2018-19 season.
Notably, Gilgeous-Alexander’s scoring streak was impressive, as he registered at least 20 points in his last 72 games of the season, marking one of the longest streaks in NBA history. His shooting percentages were also noteworthy, with a field goal percentage of 51.9%, a three-point shooting rate of 37.5%, and an exceptional 89.8% from the free-throw line. Gilgeous-Alexander led the league in free throws made and significantly improved his three-point shooting compared to the previous season.
Defensively, he was remarkable, being the only qualifying player to average at least 1.5 steals and 1.0 blocks per game, while contributing to the Thunder’s top-ranked defensive rating. Alongside his NBA All-Star selection for the third consecutive year, he received multiple Player of the Month accolades and played a key role in the Thunder reaching the finals of the Emirates NBA Cup.
The Oklahoma City Thunder finished with an impressive record of 68-14, tying for the sixth-best in NBA history while outscoring their opponents by a record 12.9 points per game. This season represents a significant achievement not only for Gilgeous-Alexander but for the franchise as they continue to establish themselves as a dominant force in the league.
Overall, this award is a testament to Gilgeous-Alexander’s hard work and dedication, marking a bright future for both him and the Thunder as they aim for continued success in the upcoming seasons.