Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has once again proven himself as a force to be reckoned with in the NBA, claiming the 2025-26 MVP award for the second consecutive year. But what makes this achievement even more remarkable is the context in which it occurred. Gilgeous-Alexander led the Oklahoma City Thunder to a league-best record of 64-18, a feat made even more impressive by the fact that he did so without star forward Jalen Williams for most of the season due to a wrist injury. This is a testament to Gilgeous-Alexander's ability to step up and carry his team when it matters most.
In my opinion, what makes Gilgeous-Alexander's MVP win particularly fascinating is the way he has consistently raised his game over the past few years. He has gone from a promising young talent to a bonafide superstar, averaging over 30 points per game for four straight years. This level of sustained excellence is rare in the NBA, and it speaks to Gilgeous-Alexander's work ethic and determination.
One thing that immediately stands out is the way Gilgeous-Alexander has been able to maintain his scoring pace while also being as efficient as ever. He averaged 31.1 points while shooting a career-high 55.3 percent from the field, a remarkable feat that showcases his ability to get to the basket and finish with either hand. This level of consistency and versatility is what makes Gilgeous-Alexander such a complete player.
However, Gilgeous-Alexander's MVP win is not without controversy. He had to stave off stiff competition from Victor Wembanyama, who led the Spurs to a 62-20 record and unanimously earned his first career NBA Defensive Player of the Year award. Wembanyama, a 22-year-old phenom, averaged 25.0 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 3.1 blocks, and made it no secret that he was chasing the MVP award this year. But voters gave Gilgeous-Alexander the edge, a decision that many are still debating.
In my view, the decision to award Gilgeous-Alexander the MVP over Wembanyama highlights the importance of context in basketball. While Wembanyama is undoubtedly a special talent, the fact that he played for a team that finished second in the league in wins and lost to Gilgeous-Alexander's Thunder in the first round of the playoffs may have played a role in the voters' decision. This raises a deeper question: how much does team success factor into MVP voting?
A detail that I find especially interesting is the way Gilgeous-Alexander has been able to lead his team to success despite the absence of key players. This is a testament to his leadership skills and ability to rally his teammates around a common goal. It also highlights the importance of depth and versatility in today's NBA, where teams must be able to adapt to injuries and other setbacks.
What this really suggests is that Gilgeous-Alexander is not just a great player, but also a great leader. His ability to step up and carry his team when it matters most is a quality that is highly valued in the NBA, and it is one that will serve him well as he tries to cap off his year with another NBA championship.
In conclusion, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's MVP win is a testament to his hard work, determination, and leadership skills. It is a achievement that is sure to go down in NBA history, and one that will inspire young players around the world to dream big and strive for excellence. As for me, I can't wait to see what Gilgeous-Alexander does next, and I have a feeling that we haven't seen the last of him just yet.
