Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Crowned MVP: A Historic Season for the Thunder Star Among NBA Guards!

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has just been named the NBA MVP for the 2024-25 season, marking an exciting phase in his career. This makes him the seventh consecutive MVP from outside the United States, joining notable names like Nikola Jokić and Joel Embiid. He is also the first player from the University of Kentucky to earn this honor.

Gilgeous-Alexander had a standout season, scoring an impressive 32.7 points per game. His shooting stats were exceptional too—51.9% from the field, 37.5% from three-point range, and 89.8% at the free-throw line. He averaged 6.4 assists and 5.0 rebounds per game, proving he is not just a scorer but a complete player.

What truly set him apart was his team’s performance. The Oklahoma City Thunder finished with a record of 68-14, earning one of the highest net ratings in NBA history, at +12.7. Defensively, the team excelled, and Gilgeous-Alexander contributed by generating turnovers and standing strong in matchups.

The MVP race was competitive, featuring Jokić, who had one of his best seasons yet, averaging a triple-double. He led in certain stats, shooting 57.6% from the field and 41.7% from three. Yet, despite this statistical edge, the Thunder’s winning record played a significant role in the voting.

Fans and analysts debated the criteria for the MVP award. Should it go to the standout player on the best team, or to the overall best player? Ultimately, Gilgeous-Alexander’s leadership and his team’s success swayed the voters in his favor.

As his journey continues, he aims for the Finals MVP as well later this summer. If he accomplishes this, he will be the first player since LeBron James in 2013 to earn both awards in the same season.

Gilgeous-Alexander’s rise also reflects a larger trend in the NBA. In recent years, international players have made a significant impact. Before the last seven seasons, very few international players, including legends like Steve Nash and Dirk Nowitzki, had won the MVP. Now, players from around the globe dominate the league, showcasing diverse talents and styles.

If you’re curious about more historical context, the list of recent MVP winners shows a shift towards international talent. For example, before Gilgeous-Alexander, last year’s MVP was Jokić from Serbia. This evolution in the game emphasizes the growing influence of players from outside the USA.

In summary, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s achievement is not just personal; it is part of a broader narrative of change in the NBA, highlighting the rise of international stars. His next steps will be closely watched, not just by his fans but by the basketball community at large.



Source link