SGA Writes His Name in History Next to Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant 🔥
The Oklahoma City Thunder have added another prestigious chapter to their rich basketball legacy. In one of the most electrifying MVP races of the decade, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) emerged as the 2024-25 Kia NBA Most Valuable Player, marking the third time a Thunder player has won the league’s highest individual honor.
With this victory, SGA joins Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant as the only players in Oklahoma City Thunder history to win MVP—a remarkable trio of elite talent that defines OKC’s place in NBA history.
⚡ The Thunder Legacy Lives On
The Thunder are no strangers to superstar talent. In 2014, Kevin Durant won the MVP award while leading the league in scoring and powering the Thunder to the top of the Western Conference. Just three years later, Russell Westbrook earned MVP honors after averaging a triple-double for the first time in over 50 years during the 2016-17 season.
Now, in 2025, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander becomes the third MVP in franchise history, solidifying the Thunder’s reputation as a breeding ground for generational greatness. It’s a moment of full-circle pride for Thunder fans, who watched the franchise evolve from the KD-Russ-Harden era to a rebuild—and now back to championship contention behind SGA.
🔥 Shai’s Incredible Season
SGA’s 2024-25 season was nothing short of brilliant. He averaged 31.4 points, 6.8 assists, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.1 steals per game on an efficient 51% from the field. Night in and night out, he played with a calm intensity that few could match. He attacked the basket with surgical precision, made plays for teammates with unselfish flair, and locked down opponents with elite perimeter defense.
But SGA wasn’t just putting up stats—he was winning.
Under his leadership, the Oklahoma City Thunder finished with a 59-23 record, good for the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference. They were one of the most well-balanced teams in the league, but make no mistake: Shai was the heartbeat.
He showed up in the biggest moments, leading OKC to a league-best record in clutch situations. His late-game scoring and poise helped them pull out win after win, even against top contenders.
🗳 MVP Voting Results
Shai won the MVP award with 79 first-place votes out of 100, finishing ahead of Nikola Jokić and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Final Voting Points:
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – 894 points
- Nikola Jokić – 771 points
- Giannis Antetokounmpo – 645 points
- Jalen Brunson – 512 points
- Luka Dončić – 498 points
This wasn’t a close race in the end—it was a statement. The league acknowledged what fans had seen all season long: Shai was the best player in basketball.
🇨🇦 Canada’s MVP
SGA’s MVP also made history beyond Oklahoma City. He became just the second Canadian to win the award, following in the footsteps of Steve Nash, who won back-to-back MVPs in 2005 and 2006.
For Canadian basketball fans, it’s a monumental achievement. From his roots in Hamilton, Ontario, to his rise through Kentucky and into the NBA, Shai’s journey has been defined by humility, work ethic, and constant growth. Now, he’s not just a star—he’s a global ambassador for Canadian basketball.
🧠 A Different Kind of Superstar
What makes SGA so special is how different he is from traditional MVPs. He’s not flashy, loud, or focused on highlight reels. Instead, he plays with a rare blend of patience, efficiency, and intelligence. His mid-range jumper is one of the best in the league. His footwork? Flawless. His composure? Unshakable.
He doesn’t force the game. He reads it. He bends defenses with smooth changes of speed, keeps defenders off balance, and makes the right play every time. Watching him play is like watching poetry in motion—methodical, graceful, but deadly.
And defensively, he’s elite. Few MVPs bring the same intensity on both ends of the court the way Shai does. He doesn’t just rack up steals—he disrupts game plans.
🌪 From Rebuild to Revenge Tour
When OKC traded away their stars and loaded up on draft picks, many thought it would take years before they returned to relevance. Fast-forward to 2025, and they’re not just relevant—they’re contenders.
Shai never complained, never demanded a trade, and never lost faith. He embraced the grind, led by example, and believed in the process. That patience and loyalty are now paying off in the biggest way.
With MVP hardware in hand and a loaded young roster beside him—including rising stars like Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, and Josh Giddey—SGA is ready to chase the next goal: an NBA championship.
🏀 The MVP Brotherhood: KD, Russ, and Now SGA
OKC’s MVP lineage is one of the most impressive in modern NBA history. Think about it:
- Kevin Durant: MVP in 2014, scoring machine, and face of OKC’s first Finals run.
- Russell Westbrook: MVP in 2017, triple-double legend, and heart-and-soul warrior.
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: MVP in 2025, the perfect balance of brains, skill, and leadership.
Each player represents a different era, a different style—but they all share one thing: they made history in Thunder blue.
⚡ The Future Is Now
This MVP isn’t just a trophy—it’s a turning point. The Thunder are no longer a young team with potential. They’re a powerhouse with purpose. And at the center of it all is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a humble star who has risen to the NBA’s highest peak.
The story isn’t finished. In fact, it’s just getting started.
Because OKC has another MVP—and this time, he’s bringing the storm. ⚡🔥
