Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is emerging as one of the NBA’s top stars. His consistent production has elevated both his game and Oklahoma City’s standing.
The Thunder star averaged 32.7 points per game this season and led the Thunder to a playoff return, earning the NBA Most Valuable Player award.
Here are some of his standout performances and how Gilgeous-Alexander helped restore the Thunder’s postseason relevance.
A Look at Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Recent Performances
Throughout the 2023-24 regular season, Gilgeous-Alexander averaged over 30 points to go along with decent numbers in assists, rebounds, and steals. He was one of the main reasons the Thunder won the top seed in the Western Conference. His clutch play in close games earned Gilgeous-Alexander respect throughout the league.
Gilbert Arenas gave the best argument as to why Shai Gilgeous-Alexander should win MVP this season. pic.twitter.com/ffELgDXTlr
— Addam M. Francisco (@SuaveCEO_) February 20, 2024
One of his best games was against the Milwaukee Bucks, in which he put up 38 points on high percentage shooting. In another game with the Denver Nuggets, Gilgeous-Alexander recorded a score of 34 points to 6 assists, and late-game defense to close the game with a win.
It’s not just how Gilgeous-Alexander scores, but how efficient he is that separates him. Gilgeous-Alexander gets high-percentage shots, seldom forces plays, and knows when to shoot or pass. On the defensive end, he added several more steals to improve his team’s stats.
Good athletes and transcendent talents don’t often combine well, but Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was all that, resulting in a high Player Efficiency Rating (PER) and Win Shares all season.
Leading the Thunder Back into a Competitive Position
Under coach Mark Daigneault, the Thunder have built a very promising young core, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the prominent figure of that core. With his leadership, OKC made it back to the playoffs after a rebuilding process. His chemistry with players like Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren has played a key part in building the team’s identity.
While the Thunder’s playoff chances ended sooner than they would have hoped, Gilgeous-Alexander’s individual efforts did not go unnoticed. He finished in the top 5 in MVP voting and eventually won the MVP award this season.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the Western Conference Finals MVP 🙌 pic.twitter.com/pkcIHIjfg6
— NBA TV (@NBATV) May 29, 2025
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s name will surely be in the MVP conversation for many years to come. For Thunder fans and observers of the NBA, he is no longer underrated.
READ: Everyone’s Playing Fast – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Just Playing Smart
Hey there! I’m Muskan, a sports content writer diving deep into the NBA world one story at a time. I keep things simple, real, and fun. Whether you're a hardcore fan or just getting started, I got you covered!
