SGA's Buzzer-Beater Seals MVP Race

Reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's game-winning shot against the Nuggets all but wraps up this year's award.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Reigning NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder made a game-winning buzzer-beater against the Denver Nuggets, cementing his case for a second straight MVP award. SGA's 35-point, 15-assist, 9-rebound performance included tying Wilt Chamberlain's record for consecutive games with at least 20 points, further bolstering his MVP credentials.

Why it matters

Gilgeous-Alexander's late-season heroics have all but sealed the MVP race, as the Thunder have remained atop the NBA standings despite key injuries to their roster. His consistent, dominant play has carried Oklahoma City to the best record in the league.

The details

In the March 9 game against the Nuggets, Gilgeous-Alexander hit a silky step-back 3-pointer with just 2.7 seconds left to give the Thunder a 129-126 victory. His 35-point, 15-assist, 9-rebound stat line was another MVP-caliber performance, and he also tied Wilt Chamberlain's record for consecutive games with at least 20 points.

  • On March 9, 2026, Gilgeous-Alexander hit the game-winning shot against the Nuggets.
  • Gilgeous-Alexander tied Wilt Chamberlain's NBA record for consecutive games with at least 20 points on March 9, 2026.

The players

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The reigning NBA MVP and star point guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Mark Daigneault

The head coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Jaylin Williams

The center for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

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What they’re saying

“Tremendous poise, confidence — he doesn't change his mindset regardless of the circumstance. He doesn't break a sweat.”

— Mark Daigneault, Head Coach, Oklahoma City Thunder (usatoday.com)

“I think with what he has already done, he's an all-time great. He's just adding onto it. I think every game, every situation, he just continues to impress. When you're the best in the world, it's hard to continue to impress. He's doing it night in and night out.”

— Jaylin Williams, Center, Oklahoma City Thunder (usatoday.com)

What’s next

The Thunder will look to clinch the top seed in the Western Conference playoffs as Gilgeous-Alexander continues his MVP-caliber season.

The takeaway

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's heroics have cemented his status as the clear frontrunner for a second straight NBA MVP award, as he continues to carry the Thunder to the best record in the league despite key injuries to their roster.