Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has established himself as one of the premier players in the league over the past two seasons. And even with that recognition, he has showcased an even more notable improvement in the ongoing 2023-24 NBA campaign.
The 25-year-old is coming off a breakout campaign last year, during which he earned his inaugural NBA All-Star Game selection and secured his first All-NBA nod, notably landing a spot on the prestigious First Team.
In the offseason, Gilgeous-Alexander played a pivotal role in guiding his home country, Canada, to a bronze medal at the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
In a thrilling overtime victory, they overcame Team USA, securing a third-place finish in the international tournament. Gilgeous-Alexander was named to the World Cup All-Tournament Team.
The Ontario native has even elevated his game further this season, putting him in MVP conversations, especially with the Thunder winning many games.
Gilgeous-Alexander is currently averaging 30.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, 6.4 assists and a league-leading 2.7 steals per game.
The former Kentucky standout is also shooting 54.2 percent from the field, 32.4 percent from three-point distance, and a staggering 91.3 percent from the free-throw line.
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Why Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Should Win MVP
1. The Thunder is winning.
In contrast to the previous season, when the Thunder finished with a 40-42 record, securing the tenth seed in the Western Conference but ultimately falling in the play-in tournament, this year has marked a significant turnaround.
Currently, they are boasting a 16-8 record and are seeded third in the Western Conference.
Notably, they have achieved impressive victories against formidable opponents, including the defending champions Denver Nuggets, the conference-leading Minnesota Timberwolves, as well as the Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks, and a notable three triumphs over the Golden State Warriors.
2. Improved playmaking
The Canadian guard is currently averaging a career-high 6.4 assists, largely thanks to an enhanced supporting cast that allows him to capitalize on his influence on the court and actively involve his teammates in the game.
Thunder rookie center Chet Holmgren plays a big role in this improvement, receiving the highest number of assists from Gilgeous-Alexander and consistently getting the most passes from him in each game.
3. Shai's clutch performances
Gilgeous-Alexander has solidified his reputation as a clutch performer, securing the seventh position in the voting for the 2022-23 NBA Clutch Player of the Year.
During their road game against the defending NBA champions Denver Nuggets on Saturday, December 16, the 6-foot-6 guard nailed the go-ahead basket with 0.9 seconds remaining to give his team a narrow 118-117 victory.
The shot exemplified sheer confidence as the 2023 All-NBA First Team member actively called for the ball after a crucial defensive stop. Dribbling to his preferred spot on the left elbow, just before the free-throw line, he executed a turnaround fadeaway jumper over the 6-foot-7 wing Peyton Watson.
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