Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Oklahoma City Thunder’s star guard, secured the 2024-25 NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, marking a historic moment for Canadian basketball. At 26, he led the league with an average of 32.7 points per game, guiding the Thunder to a remarkable 68-win season, the best in the regular season. A global panel of 100 journalists awarded Gilgeous-Alexander 71 first-place votes, surpassing Denver Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic and Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo. His blend of offensive efficiency and defensive impact cemented his rise as one of the NBA’s brightest stars.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s journey to the pinnacle of the NBA reflects years of relentless effort. Drafted 11th overall by the Los Angeles Clippers in 2018, he evolved from a promising defender into one of the league’s deadliest scorers. His historic season places him alongside Michael Jordan as one of the only players to average at least 30 points, 50% field goal shooting, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1 block in a single season.
His impact extends beyond numbers:
- Led the Thunder to a 29-1 record against Eastern Conference teams.
- Became the first Thunder player to win MVP since Russell Westbrook in 2017.
- Joined Steve Nash as the second Canadian to claim the award.
The trophy presentation, held before Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals against the Minnesota Timberwolves, electrified fans in Oklahoma City. The achievement underscores the Thunder’s status as a title contender and highlights the growth of a player who dreamed of this moment since age six.
Humble beginnings in Hamilton
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s story began in Hamilton, Ontario, where he grew up in a modest neighborhood. The son of former track athlete Charmaine Gilgeous and basketball coach Vaughn Alexander, Shai was instilled with discipline early on. His mother drove him to pre-dawn workouts, while his father drilled him on fundamentals. By age 12, he competed against older players, building the confidence that defines his game today. Hamilton remains a source of pride, celebrating his MVP win as a milestone for Canadian basketball.
At Sir Allan MacNab Secondary School, Shai emerged as a standout talent. His move to Hamilton Heights Christian Academy in Tennessee exposed him to elite competition. Despite his quiet demeanor, he impressed coaches with his work ethic. His cousin, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, now a Timberwolves player, was a constant training partner, and both shared dreams of NBA stardom.
Rapid rise in the NBA
Gilgeous-Alexander’s NBA career started modestly. With the Clippers in 2018, he averaged 10.8 points per game, showing defensive promise. Traded to the Thunder in 2019 as part of the Paul George deal, he found the perfect environment to thrive. Under coach Mark Daigneault, he honed his offensive game, mastering mid-range shots and drives.
In 2024-25, his efficiency stood out. Beyond leading the league in scoring, he shot 51.9% from the field, 37.5% from three, and 90% from the free-throw line. His ability to deliver under pressure made him nearly unguardable. Advanced metrics further highlight his dominance: he ranked first in Win Shares and second in Player Efficiency Rating (PER), trailing only Jokic.
Leadership with the Thunder
The Thunder’s 2024-25 success hinges on Gilgeous-Alexander’s leadership. Their 68-14 record set a franchise high, with an average margin of victory of 12.9 points. The team went 29-1 against Eastern Conference opponents, a rare feat. In the playoffs, they ousted Jokic’s Nuggets in a seven-game series, with Shai shining in clutch moments.
The roster’s depth played a role. Jalen Williams averaged 20 points per game, while Chet Holmgren emerged as a top defender. Still, Gilgeous-Alexander was the catalyst, often taking over in critical moments. His ability to draw defensive attention created opportunities for teammates, fueling a dynamic offense.
Comparisons to legends
Gilgeous-Alexander’s season places him among the NBA’s elite. He and Michael Jordan are the only players to combine 30 points, 50% shooting, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1 block in a season. Shai is also one of four players—alongside Wilt Chamberlain, Kevin Durant, and Jordan—to average 32 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists while winning MVP.
Other historic feats include:
- Third Thunder player to win MVP, following Durant (2014) and Westbrook (2017).
- Seventh straight year a non-American-born player won the award.
- One of few guards to lead the league in scoring and win MVP in the same season.
His consistency is remarkable. For the third consecutive year, he averaged at least 30 points with 50% shooting, a mark shared only by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Chamberlain, Antetokounmpo, and Jordan.
Tight MVP voting race
The 2024-25 MVP race was fiercely competitive. Jokic, chasing a fourth MVP, earned 29 first-place votes, while Antetokounmpo placed third. The vote reflected the challenge of choosing among exceptional performances. Jokic averaged 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists, but the Thunder’s 18-game lead over the Nuggets swayed voters toward Shai.
Some argued Jokic’s advanced stats, like PER, were superior. However, Gilgeous-Alexander’s scoring and team success tipped the scales. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver presented the trophy before Game 2 in Oklahoma City, a moment fans cherished.
Free-throw controversy
Gilgeous-Alexander faced scrutiny for drawing fouls, with some labeling him a “free-throw merchant” on social media. He led the league with 7.9 free throws made per game, though his attempts per possession were lower than past MVPs like James Harden. The 2024-25 season saw the fewest free throws per 100 possessions in NBA history, contextualizing his numbers.
Shai countered critics with performance. His mid-range and driving efficiency forced legitimate fouls. In the playoffs, his ability to draw defenders created space for teammates. The debate, while vocal, did little to overshadow his historic season.
Canadian basketball legacy
As the second Canadian MVP after Steve Nash, Gilgeous-Alexander is a national icon. His win comes amid Canada’s basketball surge, with stars like Jamal Murray, RJ Barrett, and Andrew Wiggins thriving. Rowan Barrett, general manager of Canada’s men’s team and RJ Barrett’s father, praised Shai’s discipline as a model for young athletes.
His friendly rivalry with cousin Nickeil Alexander-Walker gained attention during the Western Conference Finals. Shai outshone Nickeil in Game 1, scoring 31 points. Their shared journey from Hamilton inspires fans worldwide. The MVP cements Shai’s role as a leader of Canada’s basketball renaissance.
Team-first generosity
After winning MVP, Gilgeous-Alexander gifted each Thunder teammate a Rolex watch, a rare gesture reflecting his leadership. The move, likened to NFL quarterbacks rewarding linemen, earned widespread praise. Jalen Williams called it a symbol of team unity, while Chet Holmgren joked the watch would remind him of their collective effort. Shai’s humility shines through such acts.
Playoff dominance
Gilgeous-Alexander’s playoff performance bolstered his MVP case. In Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals, he scored 31 points and added 9 assists, leading a 114-88 rout of the Timberwolves. In Game 2, post-MVP ceremony, he guided the Thunder to a 118-103 win, with Jalen Williams contributing 26 points and 10 rebounds.
Against the Nuggets in the semifinals, Shai’s 10-point fourth quarter in Game 5 sealed the series. His 31-point playoff average underscores his clutch ability. As the postseason continues, his leadership keeps the Thunder in contention.
Off-court influence
Off the court, Gilgeous-Alexander is a cultural figure. Known for bold pre-game outfits, he’s partnered with fashion brands and starred in ad campaigns. His reserved social media presence still attracts millions. In Hamilton, he funds youth basketball programs, giving back to his roots.
His quiet confidence contrasts with his on-court swagger. In interviews, he focuses on team and process over self-promotion. Peers like Kevin Durant, a former Thunder MVP, praise his competitive mindset. Shai’s leadership inspires both fans and teammates.
Bright future in Oklahoma
At 26, Gilgeous-Alexander’s prime is just beginning. His MVP win makes him eligible for a five-year, $380 million supermax extension, potentially the largest in NBA history. The deal, likely signed next summer, reflects his value to the Thunder, a franchise betting on its young core for a first-ever title.
Under GM Sam Presti, the Thunder built a promising roster around Shai, with Williams, Holmgren, Luguentz Dort, and Isaiah Hartenstein. The team’s chemistry and talent position them as contenders for years. The 2024-25 season is already the franchise’s best since the Durant-Westbrook era.
Basketball world reactions
Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP sparked varied responses. Canadian media hailed it as a national milestone, emphasizing his humble roots. In the U.S., ESPN and TNT analysts lauded his versatility, though some Jokic fans questioned the vote on social media. Nuggets coach Michael Malone stirred debate by praising Shai post-Game 1, later clarifying he’d have voted for Jokic.
NBA stars reacted warmly. LeBron James congratulated Shai via X, while Stephen Curry praised his scoring efficiency. Hamilton schools screened the MVP ceremony to inspire students, and local events celebrated the Thunder’s playoff run. The support reflects Shai’s broad impact.
Global basketball impact
Shai’s MVP marks the seventh straight year a non-American-born player won, following Jokic, Antetokounmpo, and Joel Embiid. The NBA’s globalization is evident, with Canada emerging as a talent hub. Shai, a 2024 Olympian, is a Canadian basketball ambassador.
His journey from small-town Hamilton to NBA MVP inspires young athletes globally. He stresses believing in dreams, no matter the odds. As the season progresses, Shai and the Thunder remain focused on a championship run.
