The NBA season is always rife with surprises, but few have captured the spotlight like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. After a breakout year that saw him become a top-tier player, the Oklahoma City Thunder star has elevated his game to an incredible new level. On a night that saw the Timberwolves bested 113-105, Gilgeous-Alexander didn’t merely steal the show; he left an indelible mark that has even his peers, like Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards, singing his praises and has put him squarely in the MVP conversation.
Surpassing even lofty expectations, Gilgeous-Alexander delivered an electrifying performance, with 40 points, astonishingly converting 15 of 23 shot attempts. His undeniable impact during the third quarter, in which he dropped 19 points, was pivotal for the Thunder, allowing them to extend their winning streak to 12 games. This remarkable run has firmly established Oklahoma City as a key player in the Western Conference, a feat highlighted by the fact that this is their longest winning streak since relocating to Oklahoma City.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s statistics reflect a player in a class of his own. He is averaging an astounding 33.4 points per game on a remarkable 56.6% shooting percentage during the ongoing winning spree. Beyond scoring, he contributes across the board, averaging 6.0 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game. His dual threat as a scorer and playmaker is becoming increasingly difficult for opponents to manage, and as Edwards noted, the young guard is often deemed unguardable.
The Thunder’s success this season can largely be attributed to Gilgeous-Alexander’s ability to put points on the board with relative ease. Edwards’s observation that defenses should consider double-teaming him if a favorable matchup arises rings particularly true; he has showcased an uncanny ability to exploit defensive mismatches. Gilgeous-Alexander’s confidence radiates with each ounce of energy he exerts on the court. “I’m not pressing, not thinking, just out there hooping,” he reflected post-game, underscoring a mentality that stems from rigorous preparation and hard work.
The MVP race is heating up, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander emerging as a top contender, as recognized by none other than a fellow player like Edwards. While three-time MVP Nikola Jokic maintains excellent numbers—averaging a triple-double-esque performance with 31.0 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 9.5 assists—the narrative around Gilgeous-Alexander is compelling in its consistency and impact on his team’s overall success.
Edwards clearly perceives the weight of the moment when he states, “I don’t know if they could give it to [Jokic] again,” implicitly suggesting that this might be the year that a different player, like Gilgeous-Alexander, takes home the prestigious award. Edwards goes on to pinpoint the consistency of Gilgeous-Alexander as a crucial factor in amplifying his MVP candidacy, highlighting that the Thunder have a game plan that places substantial trust in Gilgeous-Alexander’s ability to create and score.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s response to Edwards’s accolades reaffirms what many believe: that recognition from fellow players often resonates deeper than accolades bestowed by the media. “No offense to you guys in the media,” he remarked, “but the best satisfaction is when your peers recognize and respect your craft.” This acknowledgment from Edwards not only validates Gilgeous-Alexander’s hard work but also serves to enhance his status within the league as a player of elite caliber.
As the season progresses, the Thunder’s continuing success intertwined with Gilgeous-Alexander’s performance has made them a team to watch. The groundwork laid in this season hints at a potential MVP award for an evolving star. With continued tenacity and skill, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is not just chasing a personal goal; he is shaping the narrative of the NBA, definitively altering the landscape of the Western Conference for seasons to come.