Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been named the NBA’s Most Valuable Player for the 2024–25 season, marking a significant milestone in his career and continuing the trend of international players dominating the league’s top individual honor. The Oklahoma City Thunder star led the NBA with an average of 32.7 points per game, along with 6.4 assists, 5 rebounds, and impressive shooting percentages of 51.9% from the field and 90% from the free-throw line
Gilgeous-Alexander’s performance was instrumental in the Thunder achieving a league-best 68–14 record, with a historic 12.9-point average margin of victory. He received 71 first-place MVP votes, narrowly surpassing Nikola Jokić, who averaged a triple-double and garnered 29 first-place votes. Giannis Antetokounmpo finished third in the MVP voting.
This achievement extends a seven-year streak of international players winning the MVP award, following in the footsteps of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokić, and Joel Embiid. Gilgeous-Alexander is only the second Canadian to win the MVP, after Steve Nash.
In a touching moment, Gilgeous-Alexander’s wife, Hailey Summers, was visibly emotional during the announcement, highlighting the personal significance of the award.
As the Thunder advance in the playoffs, Gilgeous-Alexander’s leadership and exceptional performance will be pivotal in their pursuit of an NBA championship.
