Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has history on his side in MVP chase

As the NBA regular season winds down, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to deliver elite performances at the perfect time. 

After suffering a blowout loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday, the Oklahoma City Thunder responded with a 136-120 win against L.A. on Tuesday night, powered by a 42-point explosion from their MVP candidate.

Gilgeous-Alexander shot 14-of-26 from the field, hit five three-pointers and went 9-of-11 from the free-throw line. He added six rebounds, six assists and a block in a dominant all-around display. 

The win marked the Thunder’s 65th of the season, pushing them closer to securing the league’s best record and home-court advantage throughout the playoffs.

It was yet another showing that bolstered Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP credentials, and history suggests he may have the edge over front-runner Nikola Jokic. 

The Thunder guard is averaging 32.7 points per game, leading the league in scoring, while also contributing 5.0 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.0 blocks per contest. His efficiency has been elite: 51.9 percent from the field, 37.5 percent from three and 89.8 percent at the line.

But it’s not just about the numbers — it’s about historical context. According to StatMamba, every player in NBA history who has averaged at least 30 points per game on a team that won 65 or more games has gone on to win MVP that same season. 

That list includes Stephen Curry in 2015-16 with the 73-win Warriors and Michael Jordan in 1995-96 with the 72-win Bulls.