The NBA’s MVP race is reaching the finish line with a ridiculously close race and a lot of candidates. Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander may have the strongest argument of anyone.
Let’s take a look at three reasons he should take home his second straight MVP.
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1. His Rare Efficiency
SGA is currently averaging an impressive 31.6 points, 4.4 rebounds and 6.5 assists per game. But part of what makes his MVP case so strong is his efficiency. He’s shooting a blistering 55.1% from the field.
At his position, that level of efficiency is practically unheard of. While some guards shoot comparable from the floor, Gilgeous-Alexander does it while scoring at a ridiculous volume. At 38% from three and 88.1% from the free throw line, he’s a major threat to score from anywhere on the floor at a high rate.
The only guard in history to put up similar numbers in a 30-PPG season was Stephen Curry in 2015-16. He was unanimously named MVP that season.
From a statistical standpoint, SGA’s built a very strong case for the MVP.
2. His Consistency
Amidst a flurry of late-season charges from players like Victor Wembanyama and Luka Doncic, SGA has been the hallmark of consistency for the entire season. He broke Wilt Chamberlain‘s long-standing record for the most 20-point games in NBA history.
This level of scoring across nearly two entire seasons is astonishing. He truly broke one of the records that was believed to be unbreakable.
Some guys go on hot scoring streaks followed by cold slumps, but Gilgeous-Alexander has figured out how to pour in points, even when he’s having a rough shooting performance
Night in and night out, SGA has torched his opponents on the offensive end while helping bolster one of the league’s best defenses. That side of the ball often goes unspoken when it comes to SGA, but he’s consistently been an pesky defender this season.
3. His Sustained Success
One of the strongest MVP arguments for Gilgeous-Alexander is the simple fact that he’s the best player on the league’s best team. As the leader of the reigning champs, SGA has helped shape the Thunder’s identity.
His impact on both ends has propelled OKC to the best record in the NBA thus far at 61-16. Over just a few seasons with SGA at the wheel, the Thunder have become the league’s gold standard of steady dominance. Even through serious injury issues with both Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams, OKC has looked a tier above the competition for the better part of two seasons.
On top of this sustained success, his impact on winning in the clutch cannot be overstated. Despite sitting out dozens of fourth quarters due to blowout wins. He’s averaging a terrific 6.5 points in the clutch while shooting 51% from the floor in clutch situations this season.
The last few weeks have seen the MVP race get marvelously close. But with Doncic now ruled out for the season with a hamstring injury, SGA has a chance to pull away over the final week of the season.
James Parker is a sports writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker
