OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — In a historic moment that signals a full-circle revival for a franchise once defined by its MVP lineage, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been officially named the NBA’s Most Valuable Player for the 2024–25 season. The announcement, set to be broadcast nationally on TNT at 6 p.m. Central Time, cements the 25-year-old Oklahoma City Thunder guard’s ascension from promising young talent to the very pinnacle of professional basketball.

By capturing the league’s most coveted individual honor, Gilgeous-Alexander joins an elite group of superstars and becomes only the third player in Thunder history to receive the award, following in the hallowed footsteps of Kevin Durant in 2014 and Russell Westbrook in 2017. The win also marks a symbolic changing of the guard, as he edged out former MVP titans Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets, a three-time winner, and Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks, a two-time recipient, in one of the most fiercely competitive MVP races in recent memory.

Gilgeous-Alexander’s coronation comes one year after finishing second to Jokic in the 2023–24 voting. That near-miss, while disheartening at the time, appears to have served as a catalyst for an even more extraordinary campaign. Elevating his performance to new heights, Gilgeous-Alexander spearheaded the Thunder’s surge to a franchise-record 68 wins—a meteoric rise that positioned Oklahoma City as the Western Conference’s top seed. Notably, the Thunder became the second-youngest team in NBA history to achieve such a feat, trailing only last year’s Sacramento Kings squad.

The MVP award is as much about individual brilliance as it is about elevating a team, and Gilgeous-Alexander delivered on both fronts. In 76 appearances, he led the NBA in scoring with a career-best 32.7 points per game. His offensive efficiency bordered on historic: 51.9% from the field, 37.5% from beyond the arc, and an elite 89.8% from the free-throw line. These numbers underscore a level of all-around shot-making and decision-making typically reserved for the most efficient high-volume scorers in league history. Moreover, he added 6.4 assists and 5.0 rebounds per contest, embodying the profile of a complete guard capable of controlling tempo, facilitating offense, and contributing on the glass.

What truly set Gilgeous-Alexander apart this season, however, was his uncanny ability to produce under pressure and do so consistently. He led the league not only in total points but also in nearly every high-scoring game category: 50-point games, 40-point games, 30-point games, and 20-point games. His four 50-point outings tied Kevin Durant for the second-most in a single season in Thunder history, a testament to his explosive scoring prowess and unflappable composure. In total scoring output, he exceeded the next-highest scorer—Minnesota Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards—by 307 points, despite Edwards logging three more appearances. This margin speaks volumes about Gilgeous-Alexander’s durability, reliability, and nightly dominance.

While many MVPs over the years have built their resumes purely on offensive wizardry, Gilgeous-Alexander earned equal praise for his defensive intensity. A lynchpin in what has been lauded as one of the most stifling defensive units in recent memory, his ability to apply pressure on the perimeter, disrupt passing lanes, and serve as a deterrent in transition proved invaluable. The dual burden of leading an offense and anchoring a defense rarely falls on one player, and when it does, only the elite manage to carry it with such effectiveness.

The 2024–25 MVP race was particularly intriguing because of the pedigree of the finalists. Jokic, the reigning MVP, had continued to perform at an elite level, showcasing his all-world vision and versatile scoring. Antetokounmpo, still in his prime, remained a force of nature on both ends of the court. That Gilgeous-Alexander managed to separate himself from these stalwarts is not merely a reflection of statistical dominance but of impact, narrative momentum, and an undeniable leadership role in one of the league’s most compelling team stories.

Gilgeous-Alexander’s rise has also been symbolic of a broader rejuvenation within the Thunder organization. After trading away stars like Paul George and Russell Westbrook just a few seasons ago, Oklahoma City committed to a long-term rebuild under the leadership of general manager Sam Presti. Gilgeous-Alexander, acquired as part of the blockbuster George trade, was the centerpiece of that rebuild—a young, versatile guard with a high basketball IQ and untapped potential. Over the ensuing years, his growth mirrored that of the franchise, gradually evolving from a complementary piece into the undisputed face of the team.

This season, that evolution reached its crescendo. His leadership was not confined to box scores or highlight reels; it permeated the team’s culture. Young teammates such as Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren flourished under his guidance, and head coach Mark Daigneault often praised his maturity, professionalism, and unselfishness. The Thunder’s offense was not only high-powered but beautifully orchestrated, with Gilgeous-Alexander at its helm—a floor general who knew when to attack, when to distribute, and how to galvanize those around him.

This MVP nod also appears likely to be accompanied by a third consecutive All-NBA First Team selection, placing Gilgeous-Alexander ahead of Westbrook in franchise annals. The significance of this milestone extends beyond mere accolades. It solidifies his status among the NBA’s elite, validates the Thunder’s vision, and provides a beacon for a young, ascending team now expected to contend for titles rather than merely develop for the future.

The honor also serves to elevate Canada’s growing basketball profile. Gilgeous-Alexander becomes the first Canadian-born player to win the NBA MVP award, a watershed moment for a country that has increasingly produced high-level talent. It is a testament to his journey—from his days at Kentucky, through early stints with the Los Angeles Clippers, to becoming the heartbeat of a resurgent Oklahoma City franchise.

Looking ahead, the implications of this MVP season are manifold. For Gilgeous-Alexander, it sets a new benchmark and raises expectations for future playoff success. For the Thunder, it signals that their rebuild is not only complete but potentially ahead of schedule. And for the NBA at large, it heralds the arrival of a new superstar era—one that values versatility, humility, and relentless excellence.

As fans await the official announcement and Gilgeous-Alexander’s acceptance speech, the narrative is already clear: a young star, molded by patience, defined by grit, and emboldened by belief, has reached the summit of individual achievement. The 2024–25 NBA MVP belongs to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and with it, the spotlight shifts decisively to Oklahoma City, where the echoes of Durant and Westbrook now meet a new resonance—the era of SGA has arrived.