### Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: A Rising MVP Contender in the 2024-25 NBA Season As the NBA regular season approaches its conclusion, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder is making a compelling case for the MVP award. Following a significant victory against the Los Angeles Lakers, where he scored 42 points, Gilgeous-Alexander has solidified his status as a top contender. His performance has not only helped the Thunder secure their 65th win of the season but also positioned them for home-court advantage in the playoffs. Averaging 32.7 points per game, he leads the league in scoring and is contributing significantly across various statistical categories, including rebounds and assists, which enhances his MVP credentials [https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/shai_gilgeous_alexander_has_history_on_his_side_in_mvp_chase/s1_13132_42025499]. ### Breakdown of the MVP Race: Gilgeous-Alexander vs. Jokic 1. **Current Standings**: - Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is leading the MVP race, with Nikola Jokic closely following. Both players are having historic seasons, but Gilgeous-Alexander's contributions to a winning team give him an edge [https://www.newsday.com/sports/basketball/nba-mvp-race-jokic-gilgeous-alexander-j10862]. 2. **Statistical Comparison**: - Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 32.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game, while Jokic is on track to average a triple-double [https://timesng.com/mvp-showdown-gilgeous]. 3. **Historical Context**: - Gilgeous-Alexander recently surpassed Michael Jordan's record for the fourth-longest streak of 20-point games in a single season, further enhancing his MVP narrative [https://www.newsday.com/sports/basketball/thunder-gilgeousalexander-streak-20point-r16462]. ### Supporting Evidence: Key Performances and Statistics - **Recent Games**: - On April 9, 2025, Gilgeous-Alexander scored 42 points against the Lakers, showcasing his scoring ability and all-around game [https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/shai_gilgeous_alexander_has_history_on_his_side_in_mvp_chase/s1_13132_42025499]. - He has maintained a streak of 70 consecutive games scoring at least 20 points, a feat only achieved by a few elite players in NBA history [https://www.newsday.com/sports/basketball/thunder-gilgeousalexander-streak-20point-r16462]. - **Team Success**: - The Thunder have clinched the best record in the league, which is a critical factor in MVP voting, as winning is often prioritized by voters [https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/thunder-top-pistons-tie-team-record-wins-64-season-2025-04-03]. ### Conclusion: Gilgeous-Alexander's MVP Case Strengthened In summary, **Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is emerging as the frontrunner for the MVP award** due to his exceptional scoring, significant contributions to team success, and historic performances throughout the season. 1. **Performance Metrics**: His scoring average and all-around contributions are unmatched this season. 2. **Team Impact**: The Thunder's success, including a potential record-setting season, bolsters his MVP candidacy. 3. **Historical Achievements**: Breaking records previously held by legends like Michael Jordan adds to his narrative. As the season concludes, Gilgeous-Alexander's case for MVP appears increasingly compelling, positioning him to potentially claim his first MVP award [https://www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/nba-most-valuable-player-mvp-ladder-race-2024-25-season-week-24-shai-gilgeous-alexander-surges-past-nikola-jokic].