Shai Gilgeous-Alexander MVP 2025-26

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has officially captured the 2025-26 NBA Most Valuable Player award, according to ESPN. The Oklahoma City Thunder superstar successfully defended his MVP crown after delivering one of the most efficient offensive seasons in recent NBA history.

The 27-year-old guard continued to prove why he is considered one of basketball’s elite players. Although his scoring average slightly dropped from 32.7 points per game last season to 31.1 this year, his efficiency reached another level. Gilgeous-Alexander finished the season shooting 55.3% from the field, 38.6% from three-point range, and 87.9% from the free-throw line.

Those numbers place him in rare company. The only other player to post similar shooting percentages on more than 250 attempts was Kevin Durant during the 2022-23 season. However, Gilgeous-Alexander achieved the feat over 68 games while also recording nearly double the assists and fewer turnovers.

Historic Efficiency Powers Thunder Success

Despite ranking second in the NBA in scoring behind Luka Dončić, Gilgeous-Alexander dominated games without needing excessive ball control. He averaged only 66.6 touches per game, ranking 42nd league-wide, yet still generated elite offensive production.

More importantly, he led the Oklahoma City Thunder to an NBA-best 64 regular-season wins. The Thunder achieved that success despite injuries affecting several key players throughout the year. Teammates like Jalen Williams, Alex Caruso, and Isaiah Hartenstein all missed significant time during the campaign.

Even with roster challenges, Gilgeous-Alexander consistently elevated Oklahoma City on both ends of the floor. His ability to score efficiently, create opportunities for teammates, and defend at a high level made him the clear favorite for most of the season.

Intense MVP Race Throughout the Season

The 2025-26 MVP race remained competitive from opening night until the final weeks. Three-time MVP Nikola Jokić started the season strongly with historic offensive numbers before injuries slowed his momentum.

Meanwhile, stars such as Cade Cunningham and Jaylen Brown briefly entered the conversation after leading their teams to unexpected success.

Later in the season, both Dončić and Victor Wembanyama made serious pushes for the award. However, injuries and limited playing time ultimately weakened their cases. Jokić also struggled to regain momentum late in the season as questions about his defense and missed games became major discussion points among voters.

In the end, Gilgeous-Alexander’s consistency, efficiency, and team success separated him from the competition.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Joins NBA Legends

With his second consecutive MVP trophy, Gilgeous-Alexander joins an exclusive list of NBA legends who have won multiple MVP awards. He became just the 16th player in league history to earn at least two MVP honors.

The list includes iconic names such as Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird.

Additionally, Gilgeous-Alexander became the 14th player in NBA history to win back-to-back MVP awards. The achievement further strengthens his growing legacy as one of the greatest guards of his generation.

His victory also extends a remarkable international trend. The NBA MVP award has now gone to non-American players for eight consecutive seasons, highlighting the league’s growing global influence. Gilgeous-Alexander also joins Steve Nash as the second Canadian player to win multiple MVP awards.

Can Gilgeous-Alexander Win a Third Straight MVP?

At age 27, Gilgeous-Alexander remains firmly in his prime. Historically, most MVP winners fall between ages 24 and 28, meaning he will likely enter next season as a strong favorite once again.

However, winning three consecutive MVP awards is extremely rare. Only Russell, Chamberlain, and Bird have accomplished the feat in NBA history. Even Jordan and James failed to secure three straight MVP trophies during their legendary careers.

Still, Gilgeous-Alexander now has an opportunity to achieve something even greater. If he leads Oklahoma City to another NBA championship and wins Finals MVP, he would join only Jordan and James as players to win consecutive regular-season MVP and Finals MVP awards.

For now, the Thunder superstar continues building a legacy that already places him among basketball’s all-time elite players.