Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is expected to be confirmed as this season’s MVP later today after ESPN’s Shams Charania reported the result this Sunday.
The Thunder guard overcame Nikola Jokic and Victor Wembanyama in a fierce race, giving him a second straight MVP award.
That alone is historic, but it also opens the door to something even rarer if Oklahoma City can defend their NBA title.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander one title away from exclusive company
According to reporter Brett Siegel, only Bill Russell, LeBron James and Michael Jordan have won back-to-back MVP awards and back-to-back NBA titles.
Gilgeous-Alexander now has the chance to join them. He is set to win a second consecutive MVP, while the defending champion Thunder are already in the conference finals.
That would be a remarkable place in history. Russell, Jordan and LeBron are not just champions, but players whose peak seasons shaped entire eras.
For Shai, the next stage also be the hardest. Oklahoma City now face San Antonio, a matchup many view as the league’s toughest right now.
The Thunder and Spurs have been widely framed as two of the NBA’s best teams, and their season series only adds to the danger.
They met five times before the playoffs, with San Antonio winning four of those games. That gives the Spurs belief, even with Oklahoma City’s championship experience.
It also gives Gilgeous-Alexander a defining stage. If he gets through Victor Wembanyama, then finishes the job, his season moves from brilliant to historically rare.
