Oklahoma City Thunder star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was named NBA Most Valuable Player for the 2024-25 regular season for the first time in his career on Wednesday. Gilgeous-Alexander said he tried “so hard to not think about” winning the MVP award throughout the season but gave credit to his teammates for the honor. “Just worry about playing basketball and getting better and trying to win games,” he told the NBA on TNT crew with his Thunder teammates sitting all around him. “But as a competitor, and as a kid dreaming of the game, it’s always in the back of your mind. I’m very thankful to be on this side of the ballot. But none of it is possible without the guys behind me. The amount of games we won, the fashion we won the games, is so impressive. Probably the main reason I got the award – so without them it’s not possible.” The seven-year pro out of the University of Kentucky averaged a league-leading 32.7 points per game as the Thunder finished the season an NBA-best 68-14. The Canadian also averaged 5.0 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.0 blocks per game during the campaign. In somewhat of a parallel to the playoffs, where OKC knocked off the Denver Nuggets in seven games to move into the Western Conference Finals, Gilgeous-Alexander fought off three-time league MVP Nikola Jokić – who averaged an incredible triple-double on the year – to win the award. The Thunder star previously finished runner-up to Jokić in last year’s voting and fifth following the 2022-23 season. Jokić finished second in the MVP voting this year while Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo came in third place. Gilgeous-Alexander is the third Thunder player to win the award, after Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. This is the seventh consecutive year an international player has won the award. The last American player to win the honor was James Harden in the 2017-18 season.
Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander named 2024-25 NBA MVP
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Named 2024-25 NBA Most Valuable Player"
CNN
7.9
TruthLens AI Summary
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been named the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the 2024-25 regular season, marking a significant milestone in his career. This announcement came on Wednesday, and Gilgeous-Alexander expressed his gratitude towards his teammates, emphasizing the collective effort that contributed to his individual accolade. He stated that while he tried not to focus on the MVP award during the season, the dream of achieving such recognition was always present in his mind. With a focus on playing basketball and improving, he acknowledged that the Thunder’s impressive performance, which included a league-leading record of 68 wins and 14 losses, played a crucial role in his selection for the award. He averaged an outstanding 32.7 points per game, along with 5.0 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.0 blocks, showcasing his all-around impact on the court throughout the season.
In a competitive MVP race, Gilgeous-Alexander triumphed over three-time MVP Nikola Jokić, who had a stellar season himself, averaging a triple-double. Last year, Gilgeous-Alexander finished as the runner-up to Jokić, and he also placed fifth in the MVP voting for the 2022-23 season. This year, Jokić secured second place in the voting, while Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo took third. With this recognition, Gilgeous-Alexander becomes the third player from the Thunder franchise to win the MVP award, joining the ranks of previous winners Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. Notably, this marks the seventh consecutive year that an international player has received the MVP honor, with the last American recipient being James Harden during the 2017-18 season. Gilgeous-Alexander's achievement reflects not only his individual talent but also the strength of the Thunder as a competitive team in the NBA.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The announcement of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's MVP title is significant in the context of the NBA and highlights various underlying narratives in the sports world. This recognition not only emphasizes his personal achievements but also showcases the strength of the Oklahoma City Thunder as a team. Analyzing the broader implications of this news reveals insights into how sports narratives can shape public perception.
Public Perception and Team Dynamics
Gilgeous-Alexander's comments reflect a humility that resonates with fans and emphasizes teamwork. By attributing his success to his teammates, he fosters a positive image of camaraderie within the Thunder organization. This narrative is intended to create a sense of unity among fans and players alike, promoting the idea that individual accolades are rooted in collective effort. The emphasis on team success may also be a strategic move to bolster support and loyalty among the Thunder's fanbase.
Comparative Success in the League
His achievement, following a close competition with notable players like Nikola Jokić and Giannis Antetokounmpo, illustrates the competitive landscape of the NBA. The mention of how he previously ranked behind Jokić in voting adds depth to his journey, showing perseverance and growth in his career. This context is crucial as it paints Gilgeous-Alexander as a player who has worked hard to overcome challenges, making his victory more relatable and inspiring for fans.
International Influence in the NBA
The article also highlights a trend of international players dominating the MVP awards, marking a shift in the league's player demographics. This narrative serves to underline the globalization of basketball, appealing to a broader audience beyond American borders. It reflects positively on the NBA, reinforcing its status as a premier league attracting talent from all over the world.
Potential Manipulative Aspects
While the article primarily celebrates Gilgeous-Alexander's achievement, it may also serve to divert attention from other critical issues within the league or the broader sports context. By focusing on a single player’s success, there could be an unintentional neglect of ongoing controversies or changes in league policies that may not resonate as positively. The language used is largely celebratory, which could be interpreted as a way to maintain a positive narrative around the league.
Market and Economic Implications
The announcement could have indirect effects on the economy surrounding the NBA, particularly for teams like the Thunder. Increased visibility of star players often correlates with higher merchandise sales, ticket sales, and overall engagement from fans. Stocks of companies involved in sports marketing or merchandise could see positive movement as a result of heightened interest in the Thunder and their star player.
Community Resonance
The news is likely to resonate with younger audiences and basketball enthusiasts who admire individual talent and the journey of athletes. It speaks to aspiring players who see Gilgeous-Alexander as a role model, potentially reinforcing support from communities that value sports as a means of personal and professional growth.
In summary, while the announcement of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's MVP title celebrates his achievements, it also serves to promote team unity, highlight international player influence, and potentially shape public perceptions regarding the NBA's narrative. The news is presented in a positive light, with manipulative undertones that could obscure other relevant issues within the sport.