Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Cemented NBA MVP Case

Thunder superstar led team to league's best record despite injury struggles

Apr. 15, 2026 at 9:56pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movements and skills of a basketball player, with overlapping planes of navy blue, orange, and white representing the Oklahoma City Thunder's team colors and success.Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's MVP-caliber season propels the Oklahoma City Thunder to the top of the NBA standings.Oklahoma City Today

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had a dominant 2025-26 NBA season, leading his team to the league's best record with 64 wins. Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 31.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, 6.6 assists and 2.2 steals/blocks per game while shooting a historic 55% from the field, 38% from three, and 88% from the free throw line. His improved playmaking and clutch time heroics propelled the Thunder to the top seed in the Western Conference, cementing his case for a second straight NBA MVP award.

Why it matters

Gilgeous-Alexander's standout season solidifies him as one of the NBA's elite superstars. The Thunder's continued success and Gilgeous-Alexander's individual dominance will make them a top contender in the Western Conference playoffs as they look to reach the NBA Finals for the first time since 2012.

The details

Despite dealing with injury issues throughout the season, the Oklahoma City Thunder went wire-to-wire as the NBA's best team, finishing with a league-best 64 wins. At the center of their success was Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who cemented his status as an MVP-caliber player. The 24-year-old guard averaged career-highs of 31.1 points, 6.6 assists, and 2.2 steals/blocks per game, while shooting an incredible 55% from the field, 38% from three-point range, and 88% from the free throw line. Gilgeous-Alexander's improved playmaking allowed him to maximize the Thunder's offensive talent, consistently creating open shots for his teammates. He also proved to be the league's best clutch performer, routinely bailing out Oklahoma City with game-winning shots and plays down the stretch.

  • Gilgeous-Alexander won his second straight NBA MVP award at the conclusion of the 2025-26 season.
  • The Thunder finished the regular season with a league-best 64-18 record, earning the top seed in the Western Conference playoffs.

The players

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The 24-year-old Oklahoma City Thunder guard is a two-time NBA MVP and one of the league's elite superstars.

Oklahoma City Thunder

The NBA franchise that has been one of the league's top teams in recent seasons, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

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What they’re saying

“Gilgeous-Alexander cemented himself as the regular season NBA MVP with his 68 game campaign.”

— Rylan Stiles, Author

“This marks the third straight season that the Thunder have earned the No. 1 seed, this year the reward is higher than ever. The Thunder's path back to the Western Conference Finals is one of least resistance due to the work Gilgeous-Alexander and company put in during the 82 game season following a shortened offseason.”

— Rylan Stiles, Author

What’s next

Gilgeous-Alexander and the top-seeded Thunder will look to make a deep playoff run and reach the NBA Finals for the first time since 2012.

The takeaway

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's dominant individual season and the Thunder's continued success have firmly established him as one of the NBA's premier superstars. His improved all-around game and clutch performance make Oklahoma City a formidable title contender heading into the playoffs.