The case for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as the NBA's Most Valuable Player (MVP) was compelling. As the best player on the Oklahoma City Thunder, he led the team to the best record of the season, achieving a remarkable 68-14 win-loss record and setting a league record for margin of victory at 12.9 points per game. Additionally, he secured the scoring title, averaging an impressive 32.7 points per game, solidifying his MVP credentials.

On Wednesday, Gilgeous-Alexander was officially named the NBA MVP, marking the first time he has received this prestigious award. This victory extends the unprecedented streak of MVP winners born outside the United States to seven consecutive years, showcasing the growing international talent in the league.

Upon receiving the award, Gilgeous-Alexander reflected on his journey, recalling moments of struggle, perseverance, and celebration. He emphasized the significance of personal growth off the court, stating, "I don’t think there’s enough emphasis on how much off the court influences on the court." His assertion highlights his belief that his improved personal life directly correlated with his rising performance on the court.

The MVP race was closely contested between Gilgeous-Alexander and Denver's Nikola Jokic. Gilgeous-Alexander received 71 first-place votes and 29 second-place votes, while Jokic garnered 29 first-place votes and 71 second-place votes. Giannis Antetokounmpo from Milwaukee finished third with 88 third-place votes.

Gilgeous-Alexander, who was the 11th overall pick in the 2018 draft, had a stellar season as the Thunder's leader. His contributions went beyond scoring; he averaged 6.4 assists and five rebounds per game as well. As a significant milestone, he becomes only the second Canadian player to win the MVP award, following Steve Nash, who claimed the honor twice in his career.

"He set the foundation," Gilgeous-Alexander said regarding Nash. He acknowledged Nash's impact on Canadian basketball, noting that his success inspired younger players in the country. This recognition of Nash not only reinforces Gilgeous-Alexander's achievement but also highlights the significant contribution of international players in the NBA.

Interestingly, Gilgeous-Alexander is the first guard to win the MVP award since James Harden in 2018. His teammate Kenrich Williams praised him, stating, "His value is his confidence," emphasizing the positive influence he has on the team.

In contrast, Jokic, who previously won the MVP award three times in the last four seasons—2021, 2022, and 2024—had a phenomenal season as well, averaging 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game. His achievement of becoming the first center to average a triple-double further solidified his standing in the league.

Antetokounmpo, who was awarded MVP in 2019 and 2020, also had a strong season, averaging 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game, finishing third in the voting. The trend of international players claiming MVP awards continues with this season’s results.

In the overall MVP voting, Boston's Jayson Tatum secured fourth place, followed by Cleveland’s Donovan Mitchell in fifth, and LeBron James from the Los Angeles Lakers in sixth, marking the 20th time in his illustrious career that he received MVP votes.

Other notable achievements from the league’s awards included Kenny Atkinson winning Coach of the Year, Dyson Daniels winning Most Improved Player, and Stephon Castle winning Rookie of the Year. The voting panel for the MVP award consisted of a global panel of 100 writers and broadcasters, who cast their votes shortly before the playoffs began.

The award also brings significant financial benefits for Gilgeous-Alexander, who is poised for a contract extension that could exceed $300 million, highlighting the economic impact of the MVP title. He expressed his appreciation for his teammates, promising them watches as a token of gratitude for their support during the season. He remarked, "I would rather have the MVP over a Rolex every day of the week," emphasizing the importance of teamwork in achieving individual accolades.