Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Named NBA MVP, Extending International Dominance in Award’s History

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has officially joined basketball royalty.

The Oklahoma City Thunder star was crowned the NBA’s Most Valuable Player on Wednesday — marking not only his first MVP award but also the seventh consecutive year that a non-U.S.-born player has claimed the honor. The 25-year-old Canadian guard led the Thunder to the league’s best record and etched his name in history by becoming just the second Canadian ever to win the MVP, following in the footsteps of Steve Nash.

A Historic Season for SGA and the Thunder

Gilgeous-Alexander put together an extraordinary season:

Averaged 32.7 points, 6.4 assists, and 5 rebounds per game
Led OKC to a 68-14 record, best in the league
Thunder posted a +12.9 point differential, the largest in NBA history

The MVP race came down to Gilgeous-Alexander and Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, with each receiving 71 and 29 first-place votes respectively. Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo finished third in the voting.

Rising Above the Competition

Despite fierce competition from Jokic — who averaged a triple-double with 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists — it was Gilgeous-Alexander’s consistent dominance and leadership that gave him the edge.

“This is something I’ve dreamed about since I was a kid,” SGA said during the announcement on TNT. “You try to block it out during the season, but it’s always there in the back of your mind.”

He also becomes the first guard to win MVP since James Harden in 2018.

Confidence Fueled the Run

Thunder teammate Kenrich Williams praised Gilgeous-Alexander’s confidence, calling it his most valuable trait. “It’s not just about what he believes in himself. It’s how he lifts everyone around him.”

That belief translated into results. Gilgeous-Alexander went from fifth in MVP voting two years ago, to second last year behind Jokic, to finally taking the top spot this season.

“I wanted to flip the narrative this year,” he said. “And I think I did just that.”

A Continued Streak for International MVPs

The MVP win by Gilgeous-Alexander continues a remarkable trend:

Giannis Antetokounmpo (Greece/Nigeria): 2019, 2020
Nikola Jokic (Serbia): 2021, 2022, 2024
Joel Embiid (Cameroon/USA): 2023
Gilgeous-Alexander (Canada): 2025

Together, they’ve built a new era of global dominance in the NBA.

Other MVP Vote Leaders

4th: Jayson Tatum (Boston)
5th: Donovan Mitchell (Cleveland)
6th: LeBron James (Lakers) – 20th time receiving MVP votes
Tied 7th: Cade Cunningham (Detroit), Anthony Edwards (Minnesota)
9th: Stephen Curry (Golden State)
Tied 10th: James Harden, Jalen Brunson, Evan Mobley

Other NBA Awards Highlights This Season

Coach of the Year: Kenny Atkinson (Cleveland)
Most Improved Player: Dyson Daniels (Atlanta)
Rookie of the Year: Stephon Castle (San Antonio)
Defensive Player of the Year: Evan Mobley (Cleveland)
Clutch Player of the Year: Jalen Brunson (New York)
Sixth Man of the Year: Payton Pritchard (Boston)
Teammate of the Year: Stephen Curry (Warriors)
Hustle Award: Draymond Green (Warriors)
Executive of the Year: Sam Presti (Thunder)
Sportsmanship & Social Justice Awards: Jrue Holiday (Boston)

Bottom Line:

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP win caps off a stunning season for both him and the Thunder, while continuing a dominant international run in one of basketball’s most prestigious honors. From Ontario to NBA stardom, SGA is redefining greatness — with confidence, consistency, and a global spotlight.

Source: AP News – Gilgeous-Alexander voted as the NBA’s MVP, continuing run of international players winning the award