In a historic achievement, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been named the 2025 NBA Most Valuable Player, becoming the first University of Kentucky alumnus to receive the league’s highest individual honor. The Oklahoma City Thunder guard’s outstanding performance throughout the 2024–25 season earned him this prestigious award, surpassing fellow finalists Nikola Jokić and Giannis Antetokounmpo. ([A Sea Of Blue][1], [SI][2])
Gilgeous-Alexander, 26, led the NBA in scoring with an average of 32.7 points per game, shooting an impressive 51.9% from the field. He also contributed 6.4 assists, 5.0 rebounds, 1.7 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game. His exceptional all-around performance places him alongside Michael Jordan as the only players in NBA history to average at least 30 points on 50% shooting, with 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1 block per game in a single season. ([ESPN.com][3], [The Guardian][4], [Saturday Down South][5])
Under Gilgeous-Alexander’s leadership, the Thunder achieved a league-best 68–14 record, marking the fourth-best regular-season record in NBA history. The team also recorded a historic point differential of +12.9 per game, the highest in league history. ([SI][6], [ESPN.com][3])
This MVP award not only highlights Gilgeous-Alexander’s individual excellence but also signifies a milestone for the University of Kentucky basketball program, as he becomes the first former Wildcat to earn this distinction. ([SI][7])
Gilgeous-Alexander’s journey to MVP status began when he was selected 11th overall in the 2018 NBA Draft by the Charlotte Hornets and immediately traded to the Los Angeles Clippers. In 2019, he was traded to the Thunder as part of the deal for Paul George, a move now considered one of the most lopsided trades in recent NBA history, given Gilgeous-Alexander’s rise to superstardom. ([Wikipedia][8], [talkSPORT][9])
As the Thunder continue their playoff run, currently leading the Western Conference Finals against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP season stands as a testament to his growth, resilience, and impact on the game. ([A Sea Of Blue][1])
* [A Sea Of Blue]
