Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, also known as SGA, won the 2025 NBA MVP. But Gilgeous-Alexander, 26, didn’t stop there. Gilgeous-Alexander followed with 38 points, 3 rebounds, and 8 assists in the Thunder’s 118-103 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Paycom Center in Game 2 of the NBA Western Conference Final on Thursday. Read on for further details.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander made his case for the 2025 NBA MVP, thanks to a historic season with stats that have only been achieved by a few all-time greats. Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 71 first-place votes, while Nikola Jokic finished with 29 first-place votes. Jokic, 30, was outshined even though the Serbian big man became the first center in NBA history to average a triple-double.
Gilgeous-Alexander continued to make his case on Thursday. After Game 2, Gilgeous-Alexander’s final stat line featured 38 points, 3 rebounds, and 8 assists in 42 minutes, while shooting 12-of-21 from the field, 1-of-2 from the three-point line, and 13-of-15 from the free throw line. Jaylin Williams followed with 26 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists. It was an impressive feat for the former second-round pick of the 2022 NBA Draft.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s regular-season stats include an average of 32.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game, while shooting 51.9% from the field, 37.5% from the 3-point line, and 89.8% from the free throw line.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s postseason stats average 29.8 points, 5.6 assists, and 6.7 assists per game, while shooting 47.5% from the field, 28.1% from the 3-point line, and 84.8% from the free throw line. Gilgeous-Alexander’s postseason stats seem to take a dip as opposed to the regular season stats. Gilgeous-Alexander might be affected by increased pressure, lackluster clutch shots, alleged referee interference, and a less-experienced Oklahoma City Thunder roster in the NBA Playoffs.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was named the 2025 NBA MVP, an impressive accomplishment. Not just for his professional basketball career, but also for his home country. Gilgeous-Alexander is a Canadian point guard from Toronto, Ontario. Gilgeous-Alexander became the second Canadian to win the NBA MVP award and the first since Steve Nash went back-to-back in 2005 and 2006.
Despite winning the NBA MVP, Gilgeous-Alexander appears to be coy about the prestigious award. According to Chris Paul via YouTube, Gilgeous-Alexander’s actually “pretty simple” and “funny.” Paul, 40, added, “He’s simple in his work ethic. He’s either shopping — he’s shopping all day — or watching basketball. And he’s about his family, and I appreciate that about him.”
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