Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Steve Nash Doesn't Hold Back on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Winning MVP

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ashish Mathur | Last updated May 22, 2025 3:14 PM ET

Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was named the 2024-25 NBA MVP on Wednesday, becoming just the second Canadian to win the prestigious award.

Hall of Famer Steve Nash was the first Canadian to be named MVP. He won back-to-back MVPs with the Phoenix Suns in 2005 and 2006.

Gilgeous-Alexander led the NBA in total points (2,484), points per game (32.7) and field goals (860) this season. His stellar play helped the Thunder secure the best record in the league.

As expected, Nash is super proud of Gilgeous-Alexander winning the MVP Award this year. The legendary guard told Josh Lewenberg of TSN Sports that the Thunder star is his favorite player to watch in the league.

"It's amazing," Nash said. "This is a very special moment for me. I genuinely get super excited to see his success. He's my favorite player to watch. He's phenomenal. What's not to like?"

Nash never made it to the NBA Finals during his career. Gilgeous-Alexander is three wins away from making his first NBA Finals, as the Thunder are up 1-0 on the Minnesota Timberwolves in the conference finals.

During his MVP speech on Wednesday, Gilgeous-Alexander gave a shoutout to Nash, who appreciated the praise despite admitting he didn't need it.

"It means the world," Nash said. "I don't need it, but at the same time, there's no better feeling than watching these guys thrive and them saying you had an impact on them. It feels incredible to get that acknowledgement from somebody I admire."

Gilgeous-Alexander is the second player in Thunder franchise history to win the MVP Award, joining Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.

Durant and Westbrook never won a title with OKC, so it will be fascinating to see if Gilgeous-Alexander can accomplish that feat this year.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: