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As the 2025 NBA season continues to evolve, the spotlight shines brightly on one specific player: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The Oklahoma City Thunder star is not just making waves; he has become the frontrunner in the MVP race, surpassing previous favorite Nikola Jokic. What sets him apart this season? Let’s dive into the numbers and the narrative behind his ascent in the basketball world.
Gilgeous-Alexander's stats are staggering. Over the course of 35 games, he has averaged an impressive 31.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, 6.1 assists, and 2.0 steals. These figures place him third in scoring and steals in the league, showcasing not only his offensive prowess but also his defensive skills. Moreover, he leads essential metrics like win shares and Value Over Replacement Player (VORP), which indicate his monumental impact on the floor.
One major aspect definitively illustrating his MVP candidacy is the performance of the Thunder this season. With a record of 30-5, the Thunder are leading the league, and Gilgeous-Alexander is a central figure in this success. The team outperforms opponents significantly while he is on the court, further solidifying his position as the most valuable player in the league. In contrast, Jokic, despite impressive individual statistics, faces challenges regarding team performance, which has hampered his bid to reclaim the MVP title.
Interestingly, if Gilgeous-Alexander continues on this trajectory, he has the potential to make history for the Kentucky Wildcats' basketball program. Despite the Wildcats being a powerhouse in college basketball, they have not yet produced an MVP in the NBA since the award's inception in the 1955-56 season. This year, the possibility of Gilgeous-Alexander breaking that drought is within reach.
Moreover, he is also in the running for other awards. The NBA landscape for the Rookie of the Year is still up in the air with no clear favorite, while the race for the Sixth Man of the Year and Most Improved Player remains highly competitive as well. As we look ahead, the Defensive Player of the Year award appears to be a tight contest, with Victor Wembanyama leading, and Coach of the Year is a similar situation with Atkinson making waves with the Cavaliers. But all eyes are clearly on the MVP race.
As of early this week, ESPN’s betting odds have elevated Gilgeous-Alexander to a remarkable -150, positioning him as the favorite to claim the MVP award. Jokic follows closely at +130. This delineation in odds emphasizes the two-player race that has emerged, where their contrasting team results could ultimately define the outcome of this prestigious award.
Looking at his performance beyond the statistics, Gilgeous-Alexander has also added layers to his game. He is attempting more three-pointers than ever before, averaging 6.0 attempts per game, and is hitting them at a career-high rate of 36.0%. His two-point shooting is equally impressive, sitting at 58.9%. This evolution in his game makes him increasingly difficult to defend, thereby solidifying his role as a premier player in the league.
As he approaches the milestone of 10,000 career points in the upcoming games, Gilgeous-Alexander will join the exclusive club of former UK players who have reached this remarkable feat. With a promising career ahead of him, at just 26 years old, he has many more seasons to leave his mark on the sport.
In a season marked by fierce competition and incredible talent across the NBA landscape, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's rise as a player to watch is undeniable. With his impressive stats, leadership, and the success of the Thunder, he looks not only to claim MVP honors but also to pave the way for future players from Kentucky to recognize the potential for greatness in the league. The next few months will undoubtedly be thrilling for basketball fans, as the race for MVP heats up and history could be made.
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