As the 2024-2025 NBA season unfolds, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to capture the spotlight with his remarkable performances, solidifying his position as a top candidate for the MVP award. The Oklahoma City Thunder star has been dazzling fans and analysts alike with his impressive stats and highlights, notably leading the league in scoring. With the Thunder sitting at the top of the Western Conference, much of this success can be attributed to his contributions on the court.
Shining Stats and Career Highlights
This past week has been particularly memorable for Gilgeous-Alexander. In a standout game against the Utah Jazz, he scored a staggering 54 points, marking his career high. Just the day after this incredible feat, he maintained his momentum in another game where he shined brightly. To illustrate his dominance this season:
- Gilgeous-Alexander averages 32.1 points per game.
- He currently ranks second in the NBA for steals and efficiency rating.
- He also led his team to an impressive 118-108 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers, contributing 35 points, five rebounds, and three steals.
Leading the Charge for OKC Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder, currently the number one seed in the Western Conference, have benefitted immensely from Gilgeous-Alexander’s leadership. The Thunder’s record stands at 37-8, and his performances have been critical in key matchups. Whether it’s hitting clutch shots late in games or facilitating plays for his teammates, he has shown that he can lead not just by scoring but by being a complete player on both sides of the court.
A Glimpse into the MVP Race
As of now, Gilgeous-Alexander is leading the MVP race according to DraftKings, with Nikola Jokić closely following him. Jokić has had impressive performances as well, including multiple triple-doubles, which keeps the race exciting. Here’s how the current MVP rankings look:
| Rank | Player | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | Oklahoma City Thunder |
| 2 | Nikola Jokić | Denver Nuggets |
| 3 | Giannis Antetokounmpo | Milwaukee Bucks |
| 4 | Jayson Tatum | Boston Celtics |
| 5 | Karl-Anthony Towns | New York Knicks |
What’s Next for Shai and the Thunder?
The Thunder are gearing up for their next challenge against the Golden State Warriors, a team known for its competitive spirit and skillful roster. With the match scheduled to take place on January 29th, all eyes will be on how Gilgeous-Alexander and his teammates perform against a formidable opponent. His status as the frontrunner for the MVP award adds an extra layer of excitement as fans eagerly await to see if he can continue his remarkable form.
Conclusion
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is not just having a standout season; he is redefining what it means to be a leading player in the NBA. With each game, he proves he deserves to be at the top of the MVP conversation. Basketball enthusiasts and fans in Maryland and beyond will be cheering him on as he continues to make waves in the NBA. The MVP race is heating up, and Gilgeous-Alexander is at the forefront, bringing not just skill but also the thrill of the game to his supporters.
