Just when it looked like Oklahoma City Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander would run away with his second MVP, Victor Wembanyama swooped in. We're not only talking about how he advocated for himself to win the award, but also about how San Antonio is two games back in the standings from OKC.
If the Spurs overtake the Thunder in the West to finish No. 1, then SGA's chances of winning another MVP award could very well take a hit. Note that it doesn't say that, even if that happened, Gilgeous-Alexander would lose to Wembanyama, but it would add fuel to the growing belief that the 22-year-old should win MVP in his third season.
The bad news is that San Antonio keeps closing the gap. A loss to Boston on Wednesday ended Oklahoma City's 12-game winning streak, while the Spurs cruised to a 25-point win over the Grizzlies.
Both teams have nine games left in the regular season (SGA needs to play in at least four, and Wemby in seven to hit the 65-game mark), so the Thunder losing their top spot to the Spurs is still in play.
Wembanyama might overtake SGA for MVP if Spurs finish No. 1
Going from finishing No. 13 in the conference, missing the play-in tournament, to finishing in the top spot a year later might be enough to shift the tide in Wemby's favor. Of course, it also helps that the Spurs went 4-1 against the Thunder this season.
Everyone knew that San Antonio would be better this season, especially since Wembanyama missed the second half of last year, but still, the Spurs being in the position they are now is incredible. It will be even more so if they solidify their status as the best regular season team in the superior of the two conferences.
SGA still deserves to win MVP this season
It's impossible to discount what SGA has done this season. He's averaging 31.5 points, 6.6 assists, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game, shooting a career-high 55.7% from the field (how about that efficiency?) and 39.3% from three.
He broke a 63-game record that belonged to Wilt Chamberlain, as he scored at least 20 points for the 127th game in a row. That was with him sitting out for almost 40 fourth quarters.
The Thunder have dealt with more than their fair share of injuries this season, including Gilgeous-Alexander, who missed time with an abdominal strain, so the fact they're still sitting No. 1 in the West is a feat in itself. They wouldn't be where they are if it weren't for the 27-year-old who keeps getting better. And he's not even at his best yet, so those dealing with voter fatigue already need to buckle up.
The MVP award should go to Gilgeous-Alexander, but Wemby publicly stating his case was enough to make voters like Stephen A. Smith (who truthfully shouldn't have a vote) change his stance. You have to wonder if other voters feel the same, and who might change their mind if by the time the dust clears on April 12, the Spurs sit atop the West.