Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP case backed by teammates, HC

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has become one of the favorite names amongst the MVP contenders by the end of the regular campaign. After being on the top list of sports analysts and former players, the OKC Thunder’s guard has been backed by his teammate and head coach as the deserving candidate to win the title.

Following their 135-86 win against the Mavericks on Sunday, the Thunder hopped to the top spot of the Western table. Skip Bayless posted on X (formerly Twitter) regarding his earlier prediction that if the youngest Oklahoma team becomes the table-toppers, then SGA should win The Michael Jordan Trophy. In the columnist’s post, the rookie sensation and Shai’s teammate, Chet Holmgren, wrote, “Rare skip W.” The 21-year-old is not the only one to agree with Bayless.

OKC’s head coach, Mark Daigneault, gave a descriptive explanation when asked about his take on the MVP during the post-game interview. Showing respect to the other contenders, the HC said, “There is not a night where I don’t feel like we have the best player on the floor. We’re a top-five defense, top-five offense. He’s a two-end player that contributes to both of those things.”

Mark’s four seasons of coaching Shai have provided him with keener observation of the guard. Further adding the enormous contribution that the Canadian made to the franchise, the HC said, “There’s no one I’d rather have on our team than him [SGA].”

As Mark said, SGA has displayed his versatility by providing massive numbers for the team besides standing strong on the defensive line. With his excellent stat line, the 2-time All-Star joined the elites of the league.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joins Michael Jordan, Stephen Curry with season stats

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had an outstanding season, pulling his team to the top of the table by recording exceptional individual statistics in his fifth season at the OKC.

His average of 30.1 points and 2 steals per game while shooting at 53.5% made him join NBA legend Michael Jordan and Warriors’ star Stephen Curry, who had previously scored at least 30 points, 2 steals and 50% field goals. Curry added the numbers to his name in the 2015-16 season, while Jordan scored it in four consecutive years since 1988. After achieving the numbers, Shai posed with the same gesture as the other two.

The OKC guard averaged 5.5 rebounds and 6.2 assists per game and the MVP award will be the cherry on top of his victorious cake. Shai seems optimistic about winning the title; however, as per NBA.com, Nikola Jokic still sits at the top of the ladder.