Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Named NBA's Most Valuable Player

Strategic Insights -

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the best player on the Oklahoma City Thunder team with the best record this season, has been awarded the NBA's Most Valuable Player. The Canadian player set a new league record for margin of victory and won the scoring title, receiving 71 first-place votes and 29 second-place votes. This marks the seventh consecutive season that a player born outside the U.S. has won the MVP award, extending the league's longest such streak in history. Gilgeous-Alexander becomes the second Canadian to win the award, following in the footsteps of Steve Nash, who won it twice.

Key Takeaways:

  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was announced as the NBA's Most Valuable Player, receiving 71 first-place votes and 29 second-place votes.
  • He becomes the second Canadian to win the MVP award, following in the footsteps of Steve Nash.
  • Gilgeous-Alexander set a league record for margin of victory, with the Thunder outscoring teams by 12.9 points per game.
  • He is the first guard to win the MVP award since James Harden in 2018.
  • Nikola Jokic averaged 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game, finishing in the NBA's top three in all three categories.
  • Jokic is the first player in the league's history to achieve this feat.
  • Giannis Antetokounmpo received 88 third-place votes, with Milwaukees Giannis Antetokounmpo being the third-finishing player.

Statistics:

  • Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 32.7 points, 6.4 assists, and five rebounds per game.
  • He led the Thunder to a 68-14 record.
  • Nickola Jokic's stats include 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game.
  • The Thunder outscored teams by 12.9 points per game, the biggest margin in league history.

Sources:

  • Associated Press