@shai thanks his @okcthunder teammates for their role in his #KiaMVP honor 🤩
In a league where superstar performances dominate headlines, one player stood out this season not just for his elite numbers, but for his humility, leadership, and heart. When Shai Gilgeous-Alexander—or simply “SGA” to most—was officially named the 2024-25 Kia NBA Most Valuable Player, it wasn’t just a personal triumph. It was a moment of celebration for the entire Oklahoma City Thunder organization and their fans worldwide.
And in true Shai fashion, the MVP wasted no time deflecting the spotlight.
“Without you guys, none of this would be possible,” Shai said during his acceptance speech, standing in front of a packed room filled with teammates, coaches, front office staff, and family. “This isn’t just for me—this is for all of us.”
It was a moment that perfectly summed up who SGA is: a generational talent with a team-first mentality.
The MVP Season That Made History 📈
Shai’s 2024-25 season was nothing short of spectacular.
He averaged 30.8 points, 6.9 assists, and 5.4 rebounds per game, while shooting 51% from the field and 89% from the free-throw line. He was the engine behind OKC’s breakout campaign, leading them to the #1 seed in the Western Conference and their first 60-win season since the Durant-Westbrook era.
But beyond the stats, it was his consistency, clutch play, and leadership that set him apart. He dropped 40+ points eight times. He hit three game-winners. And he anchored one of the league’s best defenses, proving he could dominate on both ends of the floor.
NBA voters took notice. Fans rallied behind him. And when the announcement finally came, there was no controversy—just celebration.
OKC’s Rise, Shai’s Humility 🫱🏽🫲🏾
The MVP podium is often filled with players from glamorous markets. Shai broke that trend.
He’s done it all from Oklahoma City, a small-market team with big-time vision. And he’s embraced it fully. Not just leading by example, but lifting up everyone around him.
During his speech, he went down the line and gave love to each of his teammates.
“Josh [Giddey], you push the pace like no one else. Chet [Holmgren], you held it down in the paint all year. JDub [Jalen Williams], you’ve been the X-factor every single night. Lou Dort, you guard the toughest guy every game and never complain.”
That authenticity is why Shai isn’t just respected—he’s loved. He makes everyone around him better, and he knows he couldn’t have done it alone.
The team culture in OKC has been quietly brewing for years. And now, with Shai leading the charge, it’s blossoming into something special. Something sustainable.
The Power of Gratitude ❤️
One of the most powerful moments of the night came when Shai paused mid-speech, looked directly at his teammates sitting in the front row, and said:
“This is OUR MVP. Not mine. Every extra pass, every hard screen, every defensive rotation—it added up. Y’all trusted me, and I’ll never forget that.”
In a league where ego often overshadows effort, Shai’s humility cut through the noise. It was a reminder that greatness is rarely achieved in isolation.
Social media lit up. Fans praised his maturity. Analysts highlighted how rare that kind of leadership is in someone so young. Even former MVPs like Stephen Curry and Giannis Antetokounmpo reposted the clip with messages of respect.
From Underrated to Unanimous 🏆
Shai’s journey hasn’t been easy. Drafted 11th overall by the Clippers in 2018, he was traded to OKC in the blockbuster Paul George deal—considered a future asset, not a franchise savior.
Fast-forward six years, and he’s not just a foundational piece—he’s the MVP.
Thunder GM Sam Presti took a calculated risk, and now it’s paying off in ways even he couldn’t have scripted. Shai isn’t just building a legacy—he’s building a culture. One that prioritizes chemistry, effort, and humility.
And when you watch him play, it’s not just about scoring. It’s about how he scores. Smooth, patient, deadly. He glides past defenders, finds open teammates, and locks in defensively without flash—but always with purpose.
The City Stands Behind Him 🌩️
Back in Oklahoma City, the streets were buzzing. Fans packed bars and restaurants to watch the MVP announcement. Murals went up overnight. Billboards flashed his image with just one word: “BELIEVE.”
This isn’t just a win for Shai. It’s a win for every fan who stuck with the team during the rebuild. Every young kid in OKC who wears #2 on their back. Every teammate who bought into the vision.
“We’re just getting started,” Shai said to wrap up his speech. “I’m blessed to win this now, but the real goal is a banner. Let’s go get it.”
Legacy in the Making 📖
It’s not every day you see a player thank everyone else before taking credit for an MVP award. But that’s Shai. Authentic. Grounded. Locked in.
He’s the leader OKC hoped for, the star fans dreamed of, and now, the league’s most valuable player.
And through it all, his message remains simple:
“Without you guys, none of this would be possible.”
🤩
