Shai Gilgeous-Alexander isn’t just good anymore. He’s becoming legendary.
The 26-year-old Oklahoma City Thunder superstar has officially crashed the MVP party—and according to the latest numbers, he’s the new favorite to win it all.
With just days left before the season’s final MVP ballots are cast, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander MVP favorite is the headline grabbing every corner of the basketball world. He’s leading the NBA in scoring, shattering franchise records, and turning a young OKC squad into the best team in the West.
He was a “nice young player” just a few years ago. Now? He’s the most dangerous man in the league.
MVP Race: It’s Down to Two—and Shai Is Surging
Forget the usual suspects. Forget the safe picks. The MVP race is down to two names:
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC)
- Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets)
Yes, Jokic still leads in efficiency rating (PER) with an eye-popping 42.2. But Shai? He’s leading the league in the only stat that matters when it’s all on the line: points per game.
Here’s how they stack up:
Scoring Leaders:
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – 33.2 PPG
- Giannis Antetokounmpo – 30.4 PPG
- Nikola Jokic – 29.7 PPG
- Anthony Edwards – 27.3 PPG
- Jayson Tatum – 27.0 PPG
Efficiency Rating (PER):
- Nikola Jokic – 42.2
- Giannis Antetokounmpo – 35.5
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – 33.2
- Domantas Sabonis – 30.8
- Karl-Anthony Towns – 30.2
So, who wins? The guy with the flashier stat line? Or the one dragging his team to new heights every single night?
From Rookie to Ruler: How SGA Took Over the NBA
Remember when Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was just a promising rookie for the Clippers?
Well, the Clippers probably want to forget.
Back in 2019, Los Angeles traded the then-21-year-old in a package deal to bring in Paul George—the same trade that helped land Kawhi Leonard. At the time, it seemed like a win.
Now? It’s being called the biggest mistake in Clippers history.
Because since arriving in OKC, Shai hasn’t just blossomed. He’s evolved into a monster. A smooth, unguardable, confident, unstoppable scoring machine.
He’s a three-time All-Star. A 30-point machine. And now—a legitimate MVP favorite.
Doc Rivers Saw It First—But Even He’s Shocked
Doc Rivers, who coached SGA during his rookie year, says he always believed the kid had “star” potential. But MVP?
“I don’t think anybody in the world saw this in him,” Rivers admitted.
“I thought he was going to be a star… but this? This is special.”
It’s one thing to have potential. It’s another to lead the league in scoring and take your team to the top of the Western Conference.
That’s exactly what Shai has done.
62 Straight Games of Greatness
Consistency is what separates stars from superstars—and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander hasn’t scored under 20 points in 62 games.
Let that sink in.
That means for over three months straight, he’s been that guy.
He doesn’t take nights off. He doesn’t disappear when the lights get bright. And he delivers, night after night, city after city.
Weekend Domination Seals MVP Status?
Shai may have already had the MVP locked up, but his latest stretch could be the knockout blow.
- 48 points in a hard-fought win at Detroit
- 31 points in a back-to-back road victory in Milwaukee—without hitting a single three-pointer
He didn’t even need to shoot from deep to dominate.
That’s the kind of killer instinct that MVPs are made of.
His Coach Says It Best: “He Has a Steady Hand”
Even on his “off” nights, Shai never loses control.
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault praised SGA’s cool composure under pressure:
“He didn’t play his best offensive game tonight… but still had a very steady hand.”
That’s what makes SGA different. Even when the shots aren’t falling, he’s directing the game, leading the team, and forcing defenses to panic.
Not Just a Scorer—A Leader
Shai doesn’t just get buckets—he gets wins.
He’s become the undisputed leader of a rising Thunder team, and he’s done it without drama, trade rumors, or load management headlines.
He’s humble. Focused. Committed.
This isn’t a guy playing for himself. He’s playing for the team. For the city. For the game.
Clippers’ Loss Is Thunder’s MVP
Let’s circle back to the trade.
Shai was shipped to OKC as part of a blockbuster deal for Paul George. And while George has been great, it’s clear now who won that trade.
OKC didn’t just get a good player. They got a future MVP. A franchise cornerstone. And now, a player who could bring championship banners back to the Thunder.
Comparing MVP Contenders: Who Has the Edge?
Let’s look at the top 3 one more time.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
- 33.2 PPG
- Leading OKC to No. 1 in the West
- No help from other All-NBA talent
- Top 3 in steals, free throws, and usage
- Ironman consistency: 62 straight 20+ point games
Nikola Jokic
- 29.7 PPG, best PER in the league
- Reigning two-time MVP
- Playing alongside Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, Michael Porter Jr.
- Denver slightly behind OKC in standings
Giannis Antetokounmpo
- 30.4 PPG, elite rebounding and defense
- Still dominant, but missed several games
- Bucks struggling for chemistry late in the season
The verdict?
Shai checks every box.
He’s Still Getting Better
This isn’t Shai’s peak. That’s the scary part.
He’s only 26. Still learning. And still improving. Still growing.
Imagine what next season looks like. Or the one after that. The league has been warned.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander MVP Favorite—and Deservedly So
This isn’t hype. This isn’t media spin. This is reality.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander MVP favorite isn’t just a narrative—it’s a fact backed by numbers, wins, and jaw-dropping consistency.
He’s gone from overlooked rookie to franchise superstar. From throw-in trade piece to face of the NBA. From promising player… to most valuable.
The MVP race may not be over just yet—but if you’re watching closely?
Shai’s already won.
