Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Wins 2025 NBA MVP, Marking Historic Milestone for Canadian Basketball

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the dynamic guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder, has been named the 2025 NBA Most Valuable Player, becoming only the second Canadian in league history to receive the honor after Steve Nash. The announcement was made on May 21, 2025, following a season in which Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder to a league-best 68–14 record and captured the NBA scoring title with an average of 32.7 points per game.

A Season of Dominance

Gilgeous-Alexander’s 2024–25 campaign was marked by exceptional performance on both ends of the court. In addition to leading the league in scoring, he averaged 6.4 assists, 5.0 rebounds, 1.7 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game, while shooting 51.9% from the field and 89.8% from the free-throw line. His consistent excellence was instrumental in the Thunder’s success, as the team achieved the highest point differential in NBA history and secured the top seed in the Western Conference.

MVP Voting and Recognition

In the MVP voting, Gilgeous-Alexander received 71 first-place votes, surpassing Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokić, who garnered 29 first-place votes, and Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo. This accolade marks the third time a Thunder player has won the MVP award, joining the ranks of Kevin Durant (2014) and Russell Westbrook (2017).

Emotional Acceptance and Team Appreciation

During the MVP award ceremony, Gilgeous-Alexander delivered an emotional speech, paying tribute to his wife, Hailey Summers, for her unwavering support throughout his journey. He also expressed gratitude to his teammates by gifting each player a Rolex watch, fulfilling a promise he had made earlier in the season.

Impact on Canadian Basketball

Gilgeous-Alexander’s achievement has significant implications for Canadian basketball, as he becomes the first Canadian to win the MVP award since Steve Nash in 2006. His success serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes in Canada and highlights the growing influence of Canadian players in the NBA.

Looking Ahead

With the MVP award secured, Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder are focused on their pursuit of an NBA championship. As the team advances in the playoffs, his leadership and performance will be critical to their continued success.