Prohibitive MVP favorite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander posts career-best average amid OKC Thunder’s historic season

Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been making a huge case for the NBA MVP Award alongside Nuggets star, Nikola Jokic

Prohibitive MVP favorite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander posts career-best average amid OKC Thunder’s historic season

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to put up enormous numbers for his side every game. He has been the Thunder’s most influential player all season. Notably, as per StatMuse, SGA has recorded one of his best career averages this month.

Gilgeous-Alexander scored 48 points in Saturday’s 113-107 road win over the Detroit Pistons, his 12th game with 40 or more this season. Per StatMuse, SGA has recorded 37.6 PPG, 7.0 APG, 1.1 SPG, 1.3 BPG, and is 54/40/95% in March. His most PPG ever in a month. This showcases his exceptional development this season.

With every game, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is getting better. He scored 48 points in Saturday’s 113-107 road win over the Detroit Pistons, his 12th game with 40 or more this season. Just like his Thunder team, SGA has been relentless this season. SGA and Denver Nuggets player Nikola Jokic are in a two-horse fight for MVP. Jokic has won the award in three of the previous four seasons.

FS Video

In addition, for the time being, Jokic is reportedly leading the NBA MVP award rankings. However, with SGA putting up his astronomical PPG stats, he is surely making a case to take the #1 spot once again. However, it won’t be easy because Jokic does not seem to be giving up anytime soon. The battle for the NBA MVP award will go down to the very last stretch this season.

Gilgeous-Alexander was runner-up to Jokic the previous year. He cites his coaches and fellow players as to why matters might be different this time, especially with the Thunder (55-12) leading the Western Conference by 12 1/2 games.

NBA coach Doc Rivers is in awe of Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Doc Rivers believes he spotted star potential in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander while mentoring him as a rookie until the Los Angeles Clippers traded him to the Oklahoma City Thunder. But the seasoned coach admits that Gilgeous-Alexander has far exceeded expectations. Rivers is not wrong, SGA’s has been one of the most consistent performers in the NBA, going toe-to-toe with the likes of Nikola Jokic. Doc Rivers opened up on SGA’s rise to stardom.

I don’t think anybody in the world saw this in him. We did think he was going to be really, really good. I thought he was going to be a star. I said it when we traded him. But to see this, I don’t think anyone can honestly say they knew he was going to be this special.

Doc Rivers said

The Clippers included Gilgeous-Alexander in the deal to acquire nine-time All-Star Paul George to Los Angeles in the summer of 2019. The Clippers’ purchase of George helped them acquire Kawhi Leonard in free agency after he led the Toronto Raptors to an NBA championship.

In addition, Gilgeous-Alexander had just finished his rookie season, averaging 10.3 points, 3.3 assists, and 2.8 rebounds while starting 73 games. The three-time All-Star elevated his game in Oklahoma City and is now regarded as one of the top contenders for this season’s MVP award, with the Nuggets star Nikola Jokic.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a – 752 favorite to win the Michael Jordan trophy

The race for the NBA MVP Award seems to be racing up after every game. As per the NBA rankings, it is Nikola Jokic who is in the lead, with OKC Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander trailing in 2nd position. However, the NBA MVP Odds do not say the same.

As per MVP odds, SGA is tipped to win the award. The Thunder star has a negative odd of -752 to win the NBA MVP Award. SGA is followed by Jokic with a +425 odds. Also, one thing is clear: the bookies are hell-bent that SGA will snatch the award from Jokic this season.

Aside from this, the Thunder won against the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday. SGA led the way with 31 points and eight assists, highlighting his crucial role in the night’s victory.

In addition, Isaiah Hartenstein contributed a career-high 24 points and 12 rebounds to assist in the Thunder win for the tenth time in 11 games. Isaiah Joe scored 19 points from the bench whereas the returning Chet Holmgren recorded 16 points and eight rebounds in his side’s win.