Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been named NBA MVP for the second straight season. The news was first reported by journalist Shams Charania before the league’s official announcement.
The Oklahoma City Thunder guard joined a short list of guards to win back-to-back MVP awards. Only four others had achieved that before him.
Despite debate over the race, the final vote was clear. Gilgeous-Alexander received 83 first-place votes, ahead of Nikola Jokic with ten, Victor Wembanyama with five and Cade Cunningham with two.
Stephen A. Smith says Shai Gilgeous-Alexander deserved MVP
Stephen A. Smith confirmed on X that Gilgeous-Alexander had his vote. He also said the Thunder star deserved the award in both winning seasons.
“Congrats to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for winning back-to-back MVP’s. He got my vote both times and he deserved it,” the controversial pundit wrote.
“Victor Wembanyama is phenomenal. Nikola Jokic, Jaylen Brown and Luka Doncic all had great years, but it was Shai Gilgeous-Alexander who led his team to the best record in the league and the No.1 seed.”
Smith then added: “The Oklahoma City Thunder haven’t missed a beat. Why? Because he was leading, that’s why! Congrats!”
The pundit’s comments reflected the final voting margin. Jokic, Wembanyama and others remained part of the discussion, but the Canadian star finished comfortably ahead.
The result also underlined Oklahoma City’s regular-season dominance. Gilgeous-Alexander was recognised not only for individual production, but for leading the Thunder to the league’s best record.
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