Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Repeats as NBA MVP, Fending Off Wembanyama and Jokic

Thunder star's two-way dominance earns him second straight league honor

Apr. 7, 2026 at 6:20am

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A fragmented, abstract painting depicting a basketball game, with sharp geometric shapes in navy, green, and red overlapping to create a dynamic, energetic composition.Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's all-around brilliance earns him a second consecutive NBA MVP award, fending off rising stars like Victor Wembanyama.Denver Today

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been named the NBA's Most Valuable Player for the second consecutive season, fending off strong challenges from San Antonio Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama and Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic. Gilgeous-Alexander's elite scoring, efficient shooting, and stifling defense proved too much for his competitors to overcome, as the Thunder once again finished atop the Western Conference standings.

Why it matters

Gilgeous-Alexander's back-to-back MVP awards cement his status as one of the league's premier two-way players, joining an exclusive club of just 15 players in NBA history to win multiple MVPs. His continued dominance also highlights the Thunder's sustained success, as they remain a top contender in the West despite playing in a smaller market.

The details

Gilgeous-Alexander led the league in scoring at 31.4 points per game while shooting an efficient 55.2% from the field. He also contributed 4.4 rebounds, 6.5 assists, and 1.4 steals per contest, showcasing his all-around impact. Wembanyama, the 7'4" Spurs rookie, made a strong case with his defensive prowess, leading the NBA in blocks at 3.1 per game. Jokic, the three-time MVP, posted another triple-double season, averaging 27.9 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 10.9 assists.

  • Gilgeous-Alexander won his first MVP award last season.
  • This is Gilgeous-Alexander's second consecutive MVP award.
  • The Thunder finished the regular season with a 62-16 record, the best in the Western Conference.

The players

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

A 24-year-old guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder who has emerged as one of the NBA's elite two-way players, winning his second consecutive MVP award.

Victor Wembanyama

A 19-year-old rookie center for the San Antonio Spurs who made a strong case for MVP with his dominant defensive presence, leading the league in blocks.

Nikola Jokic

A three-time MVP and center for the Denver Nuggets, who once again posted a triple-double season but fell short of winning his fourth award.

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What they’re saying

“Shai has taken his game to another level this season, and his two-way impact has been undeniable. He's truly one of the best players in the league.”

— Sam Presti, Oklahoma City Thunder General Manager

“Victor is a generational talent, and I have no doubt he'll be hoisting the MVP trophy someday. But this year, Shai's consistency and leadership were just too much for the rest of us to overcome.”

— Gregg Popovich, San Antonio Spurs Head Coach

What’s next

Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder will look to carry their regular season success into the playoffs as they aim to capture their first NBA championship since returning to Oklahoma City.

The takeaway

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's second straight MVP award solidifies his status as one of the league's premier two-way players, and the Thunder's continued dominance in the Western Conference proves they are a force to be reckoned with in the NBA.