Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder is making headlines as one of the prime candidates for the NBA MVP award this season, with hefty support from analysts like Stephen A. Smith. On March 9, 2025, during ESPN's NBA Countdown, Smith boldly asserted, "SGA is going to win the MVP, I don’t care what Jokic does," referring to Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic, who is also very much in the MVP conversation.
Gilgeous-Alexander has had a stellar season, averaging 32.8 points, 6.2 assists, and 5.1 rebounds per game, fueling the Thunder to a stunning 52-11 record, which puts them at the top of the Western Conference. Conversely, Jokic has also been making waves, most recently becoming the first player in NBA history to record a 30/20/20 game. He leads the Nuggets, who sit at second place with impressive averages of 28.9 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 10.6 assists per game.
On the same day as Smith's commentary, the Thunder faced off against the Nuggets, and Gilgeous-Alexander did not disappoint. He finished the game with 40 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and three blocks, spearheading the Thunder to a commanding 127-103 victory. His fourth-quarter performance was particularly impressive, as he scored seven consecutive points during a pivotal run, ensuring the Thunder's lead against the Nuggets, who had initially kept it close.
Despite carrying the momentum from his historic outing against the Suns just two days earlier—where Jokic recorded 31 points, 22 assists, and 21 rebounds—he was unable to replicate this on the road. Jokic managed to score 24 points but faced challenges throughout the game, especially after tweaking his right elbow early on. He played through discomfort yet managed to contribute with 13 rebounds and nine assists before the final buzzer.
The matchup between these two all-stars has drawn significant attention due to their performances this season, and the narrative surrounding the MVP race has ramped up. Kevin Durant praised Jokic's historic performance against the Suns and commented on the MVP race. After the game, he emphatically stated, "I’m not gonna let y’all keep doing [dismissing Jokic as underdog]. Jokic never is an underdog, any situation. Stop." While Jokic has established himself as one of the top players with three MVP titles already, he trails Gilgeous-Alexander's MVP odds of -275, compared to Jokic's +210 recently.
The Oklahoma City Thunder are significantly rising, currently sitting eleven games above the Nuggets. Gilgeous-Alexander has shown not only elite scoring but also decisive leadership, especially under pressure as the youngest team’s figurehead. His resilience is significant, considering OKC's challenges with injuries to key players.
The MVP dialogue has been electrifying, with both players excelling under different circumstances. Gilgeous-Alexander, through his scoring, has transformed the Oklahoma team, making them the most formidable force this season. He has regularly topped the charts this season for the most games with 20, 30, 40, and even 50 points, demonstrating his consistent ability to deliver high-caliber performances.
Meanwhile, Jokic’s unique playmaking and scoring dynamics have solidified his place not only as the best big man but as one of the best overall players this season. He has the art of scoring sometimes overshadowed by his ability to orchestrate his team’s offense and effectively contribute on the defensive end. Conversations around whether to split the MVP award or declare one unequivocally the winner have begun to circulate. Veteran players and analysts have noted the unprecedented nature of the current MVP race, emphasizing its significance.
“You gotta carry the same weight game 60 as you do game one,” commented Alex Caruso on the notion of yet another tight MVP race. While there’s speculation about how the upcoming back-to-back games between these two divisions might affect the award, both players are demonstrating remarkable tenacity. They exhibit not only skill but also the commitment needed to maintain their positions as the top MVP candidates as the season heads toward its climax.
Both players’ stats showcase their prowess: Gilgeous-Alexander leads all scorers averaging 32.8 points along with 1.8 steals, demonstrating his defensive contributions. Uniquely, he has recently pivoted to sacrificing personal scoring efficiency for creating opportunities for teammates. Jokic, on the other hand, is not only scoring heavily but also dishing assists and pulling significant rebounds, ensuring he stays relevant within the MVP narrative. With their skills being highlighted, both players have transformed their teams and the broader narrative surrounding the league.
With the showdown looming, it is evident the outcome will have lasting effects on the MVP race. And as the final victory details of the Thunder vs. Nuggets game continue to be analyzed, the NBA community eagerly anticipates how these MVP candidates will continue to shape their legacies in the games to come.