Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Wins NBA MVP: A New Era for the League
The race for the NBA MVP award in the 2024-25 season was one of the most thrilling in recent memory. Basketball fans saw a dramatic shift as emerging talent Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder claimed the honor for the first time. Not only does this highlight individual brilliance, but it also signals a changing landscape in the league, with international stars taking center stage.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Historic Season
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander etched his name in history as the 2024-25 NBA MVP. Averaging 32.7 points, 6.4 assists, and 1.7 steals per game, he consistently performed at an elite level. Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder not only in scoring but also on defense, being the only player in the NBA to average at least 1.5 steals and 1.0 blocks per game this season.
In addition to his defensive prowess, Shai scored at least 20 points in all but one regular season game, setting a new standard for consistency in the modern NBA. His offensive efficiency was remarkable, shooting over 51% from the field and nearly 90% from the free-throw line. Gilgeous-Alexander also became the first Canadian since Steve Nash to win the MVP, ushering in a new era for Canadian basketball.
A Tight Race: Beating Out NBA Superstars
This year’s NBA MVP contest was intensely competitive. Many expected Denver Nuggets’ Nikola Jokić, who finished the regular season averaging a triple-double, to secure the title. However, Shai edged him out after leading the Thunder to the league’s best regular-season record. For a deeper look at Jokić’s strong performance and how he narrowly missed yet another MVP win, check out this detailed analysis by Axios Denver.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s victory also marks the seventh straight NBA MVP awarded to an international player, highlighting the league's growing global appeal and the impact of talent beyond the United States.
How OKC Became an MVP Factory
Oklahoma City Thunder has developed several MVP-caliber players in recent years, including Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and now Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Under the guidance of general manager Sam Presti, the franchise has excelled at scouting and developing young international and domestic talent. This trend continues with Gilgeous-Alexander’s meteoric rise.
The Shift of NBA MVP Honors Overseas
Since James Harden won the award in 2018, no American-born player has claimed the NBA MVP title. Notably, Harden remains the last U.S.-born player to do so, reflecting a growing shift in the NBA’s power dynamic. Learn more about this trend and Harden’s historical run in the NBA MVP race by reading this feature on Clipperholics.
The consistent appearance of international players like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokić, and Joel Embiid among the finalists underscores the global nature of today’s league.
What This Means for the League’s Future
Gilgeous-Alexander’s achievement reflects both his individual talent and the Oklahoma City Thunder’s successful player development strategy. More importantly, it signals an exciting era where international stars shape the narrative of NBA MVP honors. As the league grows and diversifies, fans can expect even fiercer competition for the coveted award.
In summary, the 2024-25 NBA MVP race was a testament to how global and dynamic the NBA has become. With young international stars at the forefront, basketball’s future looks brighter than ever. Stay tuned for more updates as the story of the league’s next Most Valuable Player continues to unfold.