Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Wins First NBA MVP for Oklahoma City Thunder

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been named the NBA’s Most Valuable Player for the 2024-25 season after leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to a remarkable record of 68 wins.

This marks the first MVP award for Gilgeous-Alexander, who averaged 32.7 points, 6.4 assists, and 5.0 rebounds per game. He is the third player in Thunder history to earn the prestigious title, joining former teammates Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.

During a press conference announcing the award on May 22, 2025, Gilgeous-Alexander expressed his gratitude and desire to win a championship. “Any conversation about me being with those two guys who have done amazing things is hard to put into words,” he said, referring to Durant and Westbrook. “I want to win a championship. Winning is everything, and if you don’t win, nothing matters.”

This season, Gilgeous-Alexander led the NBA in scoring and was a critical driving force behind the Thunder’s success. Oklahoma City finished with a plus-12.9 margin of victory, setting a league record. His performance on both ends of the floor was instrumental in this achievement.

Gilgeous-Alexander’s journey to the MVP award has not been easy. He traded to the Thunder from the Los Angeles Clippers in 2019 as part of a deal involving Paul George. Initially viewed as a secondary piece in the trade, he has since developed into the franchise’s cornerstone, helping build a winning culture in Oklahoma City.

On the night of the MVP announcement, his teammates celebrated with custom T-shirts to honor his achievement. Gilgeous-Alexander had made headlines earlier by gifting Rolex watches to his teammates, noting their crucial role in his success. “Without them, I wouldn’t have the MVP,” he stated.

In addition to this honor, Gilgeous-Alexander’s performance solidified his place in the NBA, as he became the first guard to win MVP since James Harden in 2018. His scoring title ranks him among NBA legends, including Steve Nash, who praised Gilgeous-Alexander’s impact on Canadian basketball.

As the Thunder prepare for the next challenge, Gilgeous-Alexander’s focus remains on winning. “Everything is left,” he said. “Winning is what drives me.”