Shai Gilgeous-Alexander successfully defended home court and perhaps his first-place throne on the MVP ladder during Monday's matinee against the Nuggets, as Nikola Jokic and company came to town and fell to the OKC Thunder by a final score of 127-103.
Coming into the contest, the race for the 2024-25 league MVP was thought to be a battle between those two stars, but it appears Gilgeous-Alexander's efforts may have sealed the deal.
He entered the matchup holding the top spot on the ladder board with Jokic right behind him at number two, and it's now likely that Gilgeous-Alexander will keep his seat atop the proverbial totem pole, what with yet another sensational all-around showing.
The team's confidence in their 26-year-old centerpiece serving as its superstar and overall leader skyrockets as he guides them through the season. In a postgame interview, his teammate sent a simple but strong message following the victory.
"Three letters -- M.V.P," Chet Holmgren said.
The MVP is an award that's often decided on moments, and Sunday's contest was one the media won't forget.
In the final three quarters, Jokic slowed down and finished 4-12 shooting from the field, while Gilgeous-Alexander ramped up and poured in nine points in under six minutes of fourth-quarter playing time.
Outperforming the reigning MVP with a game-high 40 points in a 24-point victory is no small task. The All-NBA guard also attached eight rebounds, five assists, and three blocks, stuffing the stat sheet.
When asked about his mindset approaching a game with MVP race talks like this one, Gilgeous-Alexander gave a winners response.
"I love MVPs, I love All-Stars, I love all the accolades that come with it, but none of it matters if you don't win, and that's where I hang my hat. I'll be pleased with the outcome tonight because we won," Gilgeous-Alexander said.
With the statement victory, the Thunder furthers itself from the rest of the pack out west, now 12 games ahead of the second seed. Gilgeous-Alexander has been the driving force in leading the second-youngest team in the NBA to 53 wins, a feat unheard of until now.
Gilgeous-Alexander entered the matchup off the back of a 51-point performance against the Rockets, immediately followed by a 41-point performance in Memphis. He leads the league in 40-point games (11), 50-point games (four), and points per game at 32.8.
Continuing this hot streak helped him become the first player this season to eclipse 2,000 points.
The Thunder will prepare to host the Nuggets for the second game of a back-to-back this coming Monday. Jokic will have his chance to strike back, but will the media have already made up its mind?