In a landmark moment ahead of Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Minnesota Timberwolves, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was officially named the NBA’s Most Valuable Player for the 2024-25 season. The announcement was made by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, who presented the Michael Jordan Trophy to Gilgeous-Alexander in front of an electrified home crowd in Oklahoma City.
Adding an intriguing layer to the occasion, Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP honor marks the ninth consecutive season in which the award has gone to a player without any visible tattoos. This ongoing pattern includes past MVPs such as Nikola Jokic, Joel Embiid, Giannis Antetokounmpo, James Harden, and Russell Westbrook—although Westbrook only got tattooed in 2020, well after his MVP season in 2016-17. The last tattooed player to win the MVP was Stephen Curry in the 2015-16 season.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s path to the MVP award was marked by his exceptional performance throughout the regular season. Leading the Thunder with poise, skill, and consistency on both ends of the court, he emerged as the dominant choice among voters. He secured 71 first-place votes, putting him ahead of formidable competition that included three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jayson Tatum, Donovan Mitchell, LeBron James, and rising star Cade Cunningham.
In honor of his historic accomplishment, Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt declared May 21 as “Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Day,” further cementing the guard’s impact not just on the court, but within the community.
As the Thunder continue their playoff campaign, Gilgeous-Alexander stands at the center of their championship hopes, now celebrated not only as their leader but as the league’s top individual performer.
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