Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Makes History as NBA MVP Beyond Record-Breaking Stats
In an unprecedented feat, Canadian guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, leading the Oklahoma City Thunder, has been named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the 2024-25 NBA season. The 26-year-old Toronto-born star unseated reigning MVP Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets and Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks to secure his first MVP title.
-breaking Records and glass ceilings
Gilgeous-Alexander’s triumph isn’t just another MVP award; it’s a historical moment for Canada and the NBA. He becomes the second Canadian basketball player to win the prestigious honor, following in the footsteps of Steve Nash, who achieved the feat twice (2004-05 and 2005-06) during his time with the Phoenix Suns.
His victory also marks a seventh consecutive year with a foreign MVP, extending an impressive streak. Joining Gilgeous-Alexander among the international elite are Jokic (three times), Antetokounmpo (two times), and Joel Embiid (one time). The last American to win the award was James Harden in 2017-18.
Unparalleled Performance
Gilgeous-Alexander’s outstanding season is evidenced by his unprecedented stats:
- 32.7 points per game
- 5 rebounds per game
- 6.4 assists per game
- 51.9% field goal percentage
Unmatched since Michael Jordan
MJ‘s legendary performances in the 1988-89 and 1989-90 seasons are the only other instances in which a player has maintained such incredible averages in points, assists, and field goal percentage. Gilgeous-Alexander is in elite company.
Looking Ahead
With the regular season wrapped up, Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder now set their sights on the playoffs. The MVP brace himself for the Western Conference Finals against the Minnesota Timberwolves, with the series currently tied at 1-1.
The Last 10 MVPs of the NBA
- 2024-25: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Canada, Oklahoma City Thunder
- 2023-24: Nikola Jokic, Serbia, Denver Nuggets
- 2022-23: Joel Embiid, Cameroon, Philadelphia 76ers
- 2021-22: Nikola Jokic, Serbia, Denver Nuggets
- 2020-21: Nikola Jokic, Serbia, Denver Nuggets
- 2019-20: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Greece, Milwaukee Bucks
- 2018-19: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Greece, Milwaukee Bucks
- 2017-18: James Harden, USA, Houston Rockets
- 2016-17: Stephen Curry, USA, Golden State Warriors
- 2015-16: Russell Westbrook, USA, Oklahoma City Thunder
MBP winners of the NBA:
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (6)
- Michael Jordan (5)
- Bill Russell (5)
- Wilt Chamberlain (4)
- LeBron James (4)
- Moses Malone (3)
- Larry Bird (3)
- Magic Johnson (3)
- Nikola Jokic (3)
Did you know?
Gilgeous-Alexander also led Canada to a bronze medal at the 2023 World Cup, showcasing his proficiency on the international stage.
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