Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been named as a starter for the 2025 NBA All-Star Game, marking his third All-Star appearance and second consecutive selection as a starter. This announcement was made on January 23, 2025, and follows Gilgeous-Alexander’s exceptional performance this season, where he leads the league with an impressive average of 32.0 points per game.
Gilgeous-Alexander's recognition as one of the two starting guards for the Western Conference was expected, as he had the top number of votes among players at his position. He will share the backcourt with Golden State Warriors’ star Stephen Curry. Alongside them, the frontcourt starters for the West include Kevin Durant, LeBron James, and Nikola Jokić.
The Thunder’s standout point guard has been enjoying what some are calling the best season of his career, averaging 5.4 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 2.1 steals, and shooting 53.0% from the field. His scoring ability has been remarkable; he has had 25 games where he scored 30 or more points, highlighted by his career-high 54 points achieved during the Thunder's last game against the Utah Jazz.
According to reports, Gilgeous-Alexander has been dominant on both ends of the court, which is a significant contributing factor to Oklahoma City's impressive 36-7 record, currently tied with the Cleveland Cavaliers for the best NBA record this season. This stellar performance places him firmly as one of the frontrunners for the MVP award, with his odds sitting at -600, compared to reigning MVP Nikola Jokić at +420.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s stellar season has earned him the title of Western Conference Player of the Month twice so far, first for games played in October and November, and again for December. These accolades reflect not only his individual brilliance but also the overall success of the Thunder, which is enjoying its best start in team history.
Fans will have the opportunity to see Gilgeous-Alexander and his fellow All-Stars compete on February 16, 2025, at the Chase Center in San Francisco. This year’s All-Star Game features groundbreaking new tournament-style format, where four teams will compete, providing fans with fresh excitement for the annual event. Understanding the All-Star dynamics adds to the anticipation as coaches choose teams, including Oklahoma City's Mark Daigneault, who will coach one of the squads alongside his assistant.
The All-Star selections are determined through weighted voting, with fans holding the most influence at 50%, followed by players (25%) and media (25%). Given his remarkable achievements this season, it’s no surprise Gilgeous-Alexander was selected as his presence on the court is pivotal for the Thunder’s title aspirations.
Overall, the excitement surrounding the 2025 NBA All-Star Game is amplified by the performance of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the prospects for the Oklahoma City Thunder. His remarkable averages and accolades have positioned him not only as an All-Star but potentially the league’s next MVP, drawing fans and analysts alike to keep their eyes on his continued success this season. To catch all of the action, fans can tune in on TNT for the All-Star festivities.