Oklahoma City Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is officially the fourth player in NBA history to win MVP and average at least 32.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game in the same season. It's an extraordinary example of how special Gilgeous-Alexander truly is.
Leaving the statement without context could've been enough to highlight his brilliance, but it's the names with whom the 2024-25 scoring champion is now associated that define the feat.
Gilgeous-Alexander finished the 2024-25 regular season averaging 32.7 points, 5.4 assists, 5.0 rebounds, 1.7 steals, 1.0 block, and 2.1 three-point field goals made per game. He did so while maintaining extraordinary efficiency, posting a slash line of .519/.375/.898.
By winning MVP with the aforementioned averages, Gilgeous-Alexander entered territory previously only roamed by Wilt Chamberlain, Kevin Durant, and Michael Jordan.
Gilgeous-Alexander has also joined legendary Phoenix Suns point guard Steve Nash as the only Canadian players in NBA history to win MVP.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joins Wilt, KD, and MJ in rare MVP air
Gilgeous-Alexander received the 2024-25 MVP award ahead of Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals. It was a powerful confirmation of what Oklahoma City fans knew was a historically special season from a superstar no longer on the rise, but here to stay.
Not only did he win MVP, but Gilgeous-Alexander averaged upward of 30.0 points per game for a third consecutive season.
He now has the third-most seasons in NBA history averaging at least 30.0 points per game on 50.0 percent shooting or better from the field. The only guard ahead of him is Jordan—and Gilgeous-Alexander is still just 26 years of age, suggesting this may not even be the best version we see of him.
That's a terrifying thought considering he's already led the Thunder to their first trip to the Western Conference Finals since 2016.
Assuming the MVP isn't snubbed from the All-NBA First Team, this will also mark the third consecutive season during which he's received that honor. Throw in his 2024-25 scoring title and the bronze medal he won at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, and he's as valid a choice as any for the title of best in the world.
A large contingency of Nikola Jokic supporters will argue to the contrary, but the case for Gilgeous-Alexander is becoming stronger every season.
Regardless of who sits atop the Association's hierarchy, what's undeniable is that Gilgeous-Alexander has set the pace for a Hall of Fame career. He's already finding his name alongside some of the greatest of all time, and a trip to the NBA Finals would only strengthen his case.
In the meantime, Gilgeous-Alexander can march on with pride knowing he produced a season only Chamberlain, Durant, and Jordan have ever matched.