Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Tyrese Maxey Named NBA Players of the Week

The NBA announced its Players of the Week for Week 2 of the 2025-26 season, with Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander claiming Western Conference honors and Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey earning the Eastern Conference nod.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Powers Thunder’s Perfect Week

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continued his MVP-caliber campaign, leading the Thunder to a flawless 4-0 record during the week. The fifth-year guard averaged 28.8 points, 6.5 assists, and 4.5 rebounds while shooting efficiently from the field.

Oklahoma City’s undefeated start to the season now stands at 7-0, making them the league’s lone remaining perfect team. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s two-way play has been instrumental in that success. His ability to control games on both ends of the floor has elevated the Thunder into legitimate championship contention.

The Canadian guard beat out a bunch of Western Conference nominees, including Portland’s Deni Avdija and Jrue Holiday, Phoenix’s Devin Booker, the Lakers’ Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, and Houston’s Alperen Sengun.

Maxey Carries Sixers Through Injury-Plagued Stretch

While Shai Gilgeous-Alexander dominated the West, Tyrese Maxey put together an equally impressive week in the East. The 24-year-old guard posted remarkable numbers—33.5 points, 9.8 assists, and 5.3 rebounds per game—as he carried Philadelphia to a 3-1 record.

Maxey’s performance has been crucial for a Sixers team dealing with so many injuries. His progression into an actual franchise cornerstone has been proven by his ability to score at all three levels while helping the offense. The Kentucky product’s skill to create numerous chances for teammates while maintaining his scoring efficiency was especially noteworthy.

The Eastern Conference field featured solid competition, including Boston’s Jaylen Brown, Detroit’s Cade Cunningham, Chicago’s Josh Giddey, Atlanta’s Jalen Johnson, and Milwaukee’s Ryan Rollins.

Thunder Rolling Without Key Players

The way Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has led Oklahoma City in the absence of important rotation players is what makes his performance even more outstanding. The Thunder’s star guard has reacted to an early test of their depth by stepping up when it counts most.

His scoring efficiency remained elite throughout the week, and his decision-making in crunch time helped Oklahoma City close out tight games. The Thunder’s defensive intensity, anchored by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s on-ball pressure, has been a difference-maker in their perfect start.

For Maxey, this recognition validates his ascension to primary offensive weapon status in Philadelphia. With Joel Embiid managing his workload and other players dealing with various ailments, Maxey has shouldered the offensive burden without hesitation. His nearly 10 assists per game during this stretch demonstrate his willingness to make the right play.

Looking Ahead

Both Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Maxey will look to build on their stellar weeks as the season progresses. The Thunder face a challenging schedule ahead as they try to maintain their unbeaten record, while the Sixers hope to get healthier and climb the Eastern Conference standings.

For Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, this marks another accolade in what’s shaping up to be an MVP-worthy campaign. His consistency and two-way impact make him one of the league’s elite players, and he continues proving why the Thunder built their franchise around him.

Maxey’s recognition signals his arrival as one of the East’s premier guards. As Philadelphia navigates the early season, his ability to carry the offensive load will be crucial to their success.