Carmelo Anthony Claims MVP Race is ‘Locked’ For Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Amid Historical Season

Carmelo Anthony believes Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will win his second consecutive MVP award over frontrunner Victor Wembanyama.

Carmelo Anthony Claims MVP Race is ‘Locked’ For Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Amid Historical Season

Carmelo Anthony on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Image credits - Firstsportz)

With less than two weeks to go for the 2025-26 regular season, the race for the league MVP is hotter than ever between reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Victor Wembanyama. Both players have been dominant and consistent throughout the season and are heavy favorites to be named the MVP this year.

Former NBA star Carmelo Anthony picked SGA to win the award once again and believes he edges out Wembanyama as well.

I love Wemby. I love what he’s doing… He’s going to be leading in every statistical category in years to come, Shai got this thing on lock…. He having a better MVP season this year than he did last year, leads the league in clutch scoring, carrying the defending champs maybe again to the best record in the NBA. If that’s not the MVP, I really don’t know what is.

Carmelo Antony on NBA Showtime on Peacock

Carmelo Anthony‘s pick is not a very surprising one. While Victor Wembanyama has been playing at an unbelievable level on both ends of the court over the last few weeks, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has arguably been the most consistent player this season. Coming off a historic 2024-25 campaign, SGA has shown no signs of slowing down this year.

While the Canadian international seemed to be a lock after his impressive performance in the Oklahoma City Thunder’s win over the Denver Nuggets in March, Wembanyama has climbed up the MVP Ladder last week. The 22-year-old is bidding to win his first MVP award, which would make him the youngest MVP winner in NBA history.

The Frenchman has not shied away from wanting to win the MVP and even gave three reasons as to why he deserves to win it this year. He is highly likely to win the Defensive Player of the Year award and leads the MVP race at the moment. A few days ago, Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton picked SGA to win the award over Wemby, and Anthony echoed the same.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Victor Wembanyama continue to make their case for MVP

The Thunder and San Antonio Spurs have been the two best teams in the West by a mile this season, and it is largely thanks to their star players, SGA and Wembanyama, respectively. The two stars put on a show once again on Monday night.

Both teams registered victories on Monday against the Detroit Pistons and the Chicago Bulls, respectively. It was the Thunder’s third win in a row, while the Spurs extended their winning streak to nine games. The Thunder lead the Western Conference standings with a 60-16 record and are 2.5 games ahead of the Spurs, who are at 57-18.

Against the Pistons, SGA scored a game-high 47 points, to go along with five rebounds, three assists, and two steals as the Thunder beat the Pistons 114-110 in overtime. The Thunder guard shot at 63% from the field and made two of his three 3-pointers in another efficient night.

Meanwhile, Wembanyama recorded another double-double and had a 40-point night as well. The center ended his night with 41 points, 16 rebounds, four assists, and three blocks. He shot at 63% from the field and made three out of his six 3-pointers.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on the MVP race this season

It is argued against SGA being the best player in the league at the moment. He is well on course to average 30+ points in four consecutive seasons. He is currently averaging 31.6 points, 4.4 rebounds and 6.5 assists. His scoring numbers and efficiency have put him in the same tier as Michael Jordan.

Thunder teammates swarm Shai Gilgeous-Alexander after game-winner
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Image via SLAM Kicks/X)

Following his 47-point performance, SGA weighed in on the MVP race.

I think it’s good for the league [the MVP race]. I think it’s good chatter. It gives people something to talk about. There’s a lot of good players in this league and a lot of guys in the conversation.

Shai Gilgeois-Alexander in his post-match press conference

With just six games to go, the Thunder are most likely to finish ahead of the Spurs in the Western Conference, which may play a significant role in the MVP race. The race is tighter than ever, and it remains to be seen which of the two stars comes out on top.

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