Preface

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander clinches the 2024-25 Kia NBA MVP award after a phenomenal season with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Averaging 32.7 points, 6.4 assists, and 1.7 steals per game, he has not only raised his own bar but has also brought his team to prominence by leading them to the top of the NBA standings. His remarkable performance has drawn comparisons with the legends of the sport and set new benchmarks for his career.

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Gilgeous-Alexander's outstanding performance led to him winning the coveted MVP trophy, marking him as one of the brightest stars in the league. His impressive stats and leadership on the floor drove the Oklahoma City Thunder to new heights, marking a memorable season.

Main Body

The 2024-25 NBA season will be remembered for the exceptional skills and leadership displayed by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder. As the recipient of the Michael Jordan Trophy, the Kia NBA Most Valuable Player award, Gilgeous-Alexander has carved out his name among the elites in the league.

Having finished second in MVP voting the previous year and fifth in 2022-23, Gilgeous-Alexander finally claimed the top honor, continuing a proud legacy of Canadian players following Steve Nash's victories. As the third player from the Thunder to receive this award, after Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, his contribution this season has been historic.

Throughout the regular season, he maintained a stellar average of 32.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 6.4 assists, along with 1.72 steals and 1.01 blocks, setting career highs in multiple categories. His consistent scoring ability earned him the NBA scoring title, leading the league in 20-point, 30-point, 40-point, and even 50-point games matched only by James Harden's performance in the 2018-19 season.

His shooting proficiency was evident with a 51.9% field goal percentage, alongside a career-best 37.5% from three-point range and 89.8% from the free-throw line. These accomplishments culminated in him joining Michael Jordan as one of the only players to average such high points and assists while maintaining a shooting accuracy of 50.0% or more in a season.

Defensively, Gilgeous-Alexander stood out by being the sole player to average at least 1.5 steals and 1.0 blocks per game, making a significant impact on a Thunder squad praised for its defensive acumen.

In addition to the MVP accolade, his third consecutive All-Star selection, and several Player of the Month and Week awards, Gilgeous-Alexander was instrumental in Oklahoma City's impressive record of 68-14—tying sixth in league history for a single-season record.

Voted by a global media panel, his MVP award highlighted another strategic victory for Thunder GM Sam Presti, who has overseen the drafting and development of four MVP players within a swift 17 years. With this prestigious honor, Gilgeous-Alexander has his sights set on future challenges, including leading his team to an NBA championship.

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