The Points Collector
Many fans from rival teams criticise the way Shai Gilgeous-Alexander plays. Some argue that he attacks the paint primarily to draw fouls, while others claim that he does not shoot enough three pointers to justify being considered for the MVP award.
What many critics fail to recognise, however, is that Shai operates at a level reserved for elite players with exceptional composure and natural ability. There are parallels between the way Shai controls games and the manner in which Kobe Bryant led the Los Angeles Lakers to the championship in 2010.
Shai demonstrated similar authority during the previous campaign, dominating the league and finishing the season with the MVP award.
Shai has never shied away from the biggest moments. He has shown that he can carry a team through a demanding playoff run and guide them towards a championship.
Of course, he was not alone in delivering success for Oklahoma City Thunder, with players such as Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams playing vital supporting roles.
Nevertheless, one of the principal reasons Shai secured both the MVP and the championship was his ability to produce decisive moments and memorable performances when they mattered most.
This season, genuine challengers have emerged to threaten Shai’s position at the top of the league. Competitors such as Victor Wembanyama, Luka Dončić and Nikola Jokić have all elevated their performances while carrying significant responsibility for their respective teams. Even so, Shai has continued to respond impressively, consistently averaging more than 30 points per game across 68 regular season appearances.
While some of his rivals may post more eye catching statistics in certain categories, Shai’s consistency and overall influence remain extraordinary.
It increasingly feels as though Shai may edge the MVP race once again, particularly because commentators and analysts continue to appreciate the efficiency and composure he brings to the court, even while doing the fundamentals so effectively.
Another MVP victory for Shai would also continue the recent trend of international players dominating the award, further strengthening the global reach and recognition of the NBA.
