The 2024–25 NBA MVP race has been one of the most compelling in recent years. This discussion has proven to be a two-man race between Nikola Jokic, the Denver Nuggets’ maestro of efficiency and triple-doubles, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the engine powering the Oklahoma City Thunder’s stunning rise to the top of the league.

Despite the 3-time MVP Jokic continuing to post staggering numbers and lead the Denver Nuggets to relative success, this season however, there's an argument to be made that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander deserves the MVP more than any other player.

While both superstars are delivering historically great seasons, SGA not only has established himself as one of the premier scorers in the league, but his leadership, efficiency, and two-way play have been crucial in leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to the best record in the NBA. 

This isn’t to discredit what Jokić has accomplished – he’s been outstanding once again for the 5th year in a row. But this season, SGA’s production, leadership, two-way dominance, and the historic heights he’s lifted his team make him a solid choice for this year’s plum.

Statistical Dominance

Not only is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the NBA in scoring with an impressive 32.7 PPG, but he's doing so with a level of efficiency that makes his production even more remarkable. His 64.5 TS% (True Shooting Percentage) (measuring shooting efficiency by accounting for both field goals and free throws) is the second-best in NBA history for a player averaging over 32 PPG. This efficiency level places him in rare air, joining only the likes of Wilt Chamberlain and LeBron James as players who’ve managed such remarkable numbers over an entire season. This ability to score efficiently while still putting up high-volume numbers highlights SGA's incredible skill as a scorer.

What further bolsters his MVP case is his consistency. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's performance streaks are jaw-dropping, as he is now only the 7th player in NBA history to record 60 consecutive games of 20 or more points, an achievement that emphasizes his reliability as a go-to scorer night in and night out. To put that into perspective, only players like Wilt Chamberlain (twice), Oscar Robertson, Michael Jordan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kobe Bryant, and Kevin Durant have accomplished such a feat. This level of sustained excellence, coupled with the fact that SGA has done this while playing on a young, evolving team, truly sets him apart as a player who not only shows up every night but consistently delivers when his team needs him most.

Beyond scoring, SGA has been a clutch performer. Gilgeous-Alexander is the go-to player for Oklahoma City both in blowout and tight games, and his ability to deliver in those moments has been nothing short of remarkable. His clutch statistics place him in the upper echelon of the league’s elite finishers, reinforcing the value he brings to his team when the stakes are highest.

Defensive and Advanced Metrics

SGA’s impact on the defensive end has been equally impressive. Not only is he second in the league in steals, showcasing his ability to disrupt passing lanes and create fast-break opportunities, but he’s also first among guards in blocks, showing his ability to protect the rim and provide crucial defense in the paint. His defensive versatility has been a game-changer for Oklahoma City, allowing him to guard multiple positions and provide a two-way presence that’s rare for a player of his offensive caliber. Beyond the raw stats, SGA’s defensive metrics, including his Defensive Box Plus-Minus (DBPM), demonstrate his value in stopping opponents and contributing to one of the league's top defenses.

Perhaps the most striking aspect of his impact is how advanced analytics highlight his all-around value. He leads the league in EPM (Estimated Plus-Minus) and EW (Estimated Wins), which are advanced metrics that measure a player's overall contribution to his team's success. His offensive EPM ranks first, while his defensive EPM is 95th percentile, an incredible feat for a player known primarily for his offensive output. These metrics are crucial, as they show that SGA’s influence transcends traditional statistics. SGA is not just a scorer; he is making a difference across all facets of the game.

Team Impact and Leadership

As the best player on the Oklahoma City Thunder, SGA has led them to an 16-game lead in the Western Conference over the 2nd place Houston Rockets. This is a truly remarkable feat considering the team’s relative inexperience and youth. The Thunder’s net rating of 12.8 when he’s on the court is the second best net rating of all-time, just behind the 1995-1996 Chicago Bulls. 

What’s even more impressive is that SGA has done all of this without Chet Holmgren for most of the season, who was out 50 games due to injury. Additionally, key pieces like Isaiah Hartenstein, Lu Dort, Jalen Williams, and Alex Caruso have all missed games of their own across the season. SGA’s leadership has been the driving force behind their success, and his ability to elevate his teammates — particularly in high-pressure moments — has been a testament to his basketball IQ and maturity.

In addition to his on-court contributions, SGA’s leadership qualities have been crucial in developing the Thunder’s young core. His ability to be a vocal leader, mentor to younger players, and lead by example has fostered an environment of growth and success in Oklahoma City. 

On this historic race against Jokic

It's important to note that Jokic is also having another historically good season and is certainly worthy of MVP consideration. His triple-double averages and ability to dominate games in every aspect of play make him one of the most well-rounded players the NBA has ever seen. However, while Jokić's individual brilliance is undeniable, what sets Shai Gilgeous-Alexander apart this season is the way he has led his team to unprecedented success despite being on a much younger, less experienced roster. While Jokić is the undisputed leader of the Nuggets and already a 3-time NBA MVP. SGA has carried a relatively young team that was expected to be 1-2 years away from title contention to the best record in the league. Both players are extraordinary, but SGA’s impact on the overall success of his team this season alone should give him the edge.

Additionally, while Jokić’s advanced stats are historically great (averaging a triple-double with 29.6 PPG, 12.7 RPG, and 10.2 APG and ranking all in top 3 of each of those categories), SGA’s contributions have been equally, if not more, impressive given the context of his team's development. Jokić’s ability to elevate his teammates with his unique playmaking is undeniable, but SGA’s leadership and all-around contributions have propelled the Thunder to an incredible level, with their 16-game lead in the Western Conference serving as the clearest testament to his importance.

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In a season where we’ve witnessed incredible performances across the league from both players, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander rose to the top along with OKC. If this was any other season in place, Jokic could have been easily a unanimous choice for the award. 

But this year, whether it's scoring efficiently, leading his team, or providing defensive versatility, SGA has done it all. His case for MVP is not just based on impressive statistics — it’s about the way he has shaped the identity of the Oklahoma City Thunder, bringing them to the forefront of NBA contention. From his historic scoring streak to his defensive contributions, there’s no doubt that this is the season where SGA has established himself as the most valuable player in the NBA.