Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Wins Second Consecutive NBA MVP

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander from the NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder has earned the league’s Most Valuable Player title for the second year in a row. This achievement adds him to an elite list of only 18 players who have secured multiple MVP awards and 14 who have done so consecutively.

At a celebration held at the Thunder’s practice facility, Gilgeous-Alexander shared his gratitude with teammates who wore new Burberry trenchcoats, his gift to them. He said, “Basketball’s obviously a team sport. All the numbers, all the accolades, everything that I do on the court, if we won 10 games I wouldn’t be in this conversation. So, thank you guys so much. I love you guys.”

The honor continues the trend of international players winning the MVP. This marks the eighth straight year a non-U.S. born player has received it. The streak began with Giannis Antetokounmpo in 2019 and 2020, Nikola Jokic in 2021 and 2022, Joel Embiid in 2023, and then Jokic once more in 2024. Gilgeous-Alexander, born in Canada, followed in 2025 and 2026.

His generosity was evident on this celebratory day. Besides the coats, teammates received personalized golf bags, gift baskets, and expensive watches.

Thunder coach Mark Daigneault praised Gilgeous-Alexander, noting improvements in his game and leadership over time. Jokic came second in voting, while Victor Wembanyama from San Antonio was third. Gilgeous-Alexander garnered 83 out of 100 first-place votes, Jokic received 10, and Wembanyama got five. Luka Doncic and Cade Cunningham filled out the top five spots. Notably, Cunningham was the first U.S.-born player to receive first-place votes since 2021.

For the fifth consecutive season, international players topped the MVP voting. Last year, it was Gilgeous-Alexander, Jokic, and Antetokounmpo. In 2024, the order was Jokic, Gilgeous-Alexander, and Doncic. In 2023, Embiid led, followed by Jokic and Antetokounmpo. In 2022, Jokic was first, with Embiid and Antetokounmpo close behind.

Gilgeous-Alexander reflected, “So many NBA players don’t get opportunity. Who knows where I’d be without it.” He and Wembanyama will soon meet again as Thunder and Spurs face each other in the Western Conference finals. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver will present Gilgeous-Alexander with an MVP trophy during the game, marking his third major award in a year — MVP last May, Finals MVP last June, and now this.

Jokic’s season stats included averages of a league-leading 12.9 rebounds and 10.7 assists per game, yet he did not take the MVP. He becomes another player to average a triple-double without securing the MVP, joining athletes like Russell Westbrook and Oscar Robertson.

Gilgeous-Alexander emphasized that individual accolades are not his principal focus. He prioritizes team success. “The way things are run in this organization and this city, it breeds success,” he noted. This MVP award complements another significant recognition he received earlier this season — Clutch Player of the Year, supported by 96 out of 100 first-place votes. His impressive clutch performances are a testament to his skills in crucial moments.

The guard was second only to Doncic in overall points per game, achieving an average of 31.1. He extended his record for consecutive games with at least 20 points, now at 140. Gilgeous-Alexander maintains a modest approach, preferring steadiness on the court rather than emotional displays.

Reflecting on his experiences and team dynamics, Gilgeous-Alexander stated: “Some of it is just luck. As an NBA player, you have no control over other grown men in this business and I’m just lucky enough to be surrounded by great human beings…We have that common goal…It’s more than me, it’s bigger than me.”