With the NBA season coming to a close, the MVP race is heating up between Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Nikola Jokić of the Denver Nuggets. Every basketball fan tuned into the back-to-back games with the two teams on 3/9 and 3/10. In the first matchup, Alexander and OKC won, with Shai scoring 40 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists. While it seemed like Jokić had an off game, he still recorded 24 points, 13 rebounds, and 9 assists. In the second meeting, Jokić and the Nuggets bounced back with 35 points, 18 rebounds, and 8 assists, and Shai had 25 points and 7 assists.
SGA has experienced a major rise this season, transforming into a bona fide superstar and propelling the Thunder to the pinnacle of the Western Conference. As of March 16, 2025, the Thunder boast a league-best record of 60-12, underscoring SGA’s profound impact on the team’s success.
Individually, SGA leads the league in scoring, averaging 32.8 points per game, complemented by 5 rebounds and 6.3 assists. His shooting efficiency is strong, with a field goal percentage of 52.6%. Defensively, he ranks second in steals per game (1.8), highlighting his two-way prowess.
SGA’s season has included some historic performances, with multiple 50-point games, solidifying his status as a leading MVP candidate.
Jokić, the reigning MVP, continues to redefine the center position with his versatile skill set. He is on track to average a triple-double for the season, posting 29.1 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 10.3 assists per game. His shooting efficiency remains stellar, with a field goal percentage of 57.5% and a three-point percentage of 41.3%.
Jokić’s recent historic performance—a triple-double featuring 31 points, 21 rebounds, and 22 assists shows his unique ability to influence all facets of the game. The Nuggets currently hold a 45-28 record, reflecting Jokić’s instrumental role in their success.
Both Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokić have delivered MVP-caliber seasons, each with great stats. SGA’s leadership in elevating the Thunder to the league’s best record, combined with his scoring and defensive impact, positions him as the deserving taker of the 2024-2025 NBA MVP award. However, Jokić’s remarkable consistency and all-around contributions ensure that the race remains tightly contested, promising an exciting end to the season.