Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander received the Michael Jordan Trophy as the 2025-26 Kia NBA Most Valuable Player this Thursday [1].
The award recognizes Gilgeous-Alexander as the premier player in the league, marking a career milestone for the guard and a significant achievement for the Thunder franchise.
The ceremony took place at the Oklahoma City Thunder’s home arena before Game 1 against the San Antonio Spurs [2]. During the event, Gilgeous-Alexander delivered an acceptance speech celebrating his performance throughout the 2025-26 season [3].
His selection follows a season defined by high-efficiency scoring and consistency. Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 31.1 points per game [4] while maintaining a field-goal percentage of 55.3% [5]. He also contributed 6.6 assists per game [6].
League records highlight a historic scoring run over two MVP seasons. The guard recorded 92 games with 30 or more points, 21 games with 40 or more points, and five games with 50 or more points [7].
Beyond his general scoring, Gilgeous-Alexander excelled in high-pressure moments. He led the league with 175 total clutch points [8], averaging 6.5 clutch points per game [9].
While some early reports listed him as a finalist, the NBA has officially confirmed him as the recipient of the 2025-26 Kia NBA MVP award [1].
“Shai Gilgeous-Alexander received the Michael Jordan Trophy as the 2025-26 Kia NBA Most Valuable Player”
The MVP award solidifies Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's transition from a rising star to a dominant league force. By pairing elite scoring efficiency with league-leading clutch performance, he has established a blueprint for the modern NBA guard. This recognition elevates the Oklahoma City Thunder's profile as a championship contender and places Gilgeous-Alexander in the upper echelon of basketball history.
