Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been named the Kia NBA’s Most Valuable Player for a second consecutive season, becoming the 14th player in league history to win back-to-back MVP honors. SGA, who also captured the league’s Clutch Player of the Year award this season, led the Thunder to the NBA’s best record and is the best player on the reigning champions.
Gilgeous-Alexander, a Canadian, continues the NBA’s run of international MVPs—marking the eighth straight season the award has gone to a non-U.S.-born player. He joins an elite group including Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokic, and Joel Embiid. This year’s MVP race again saw international players sweep the top three spots, with Jokic and Victor Wembanyama rounding out the finalists.
SGA’s consistent excellence was evident all season: he averaged 31.1 points (second in the NBA), extended his record streak to 140 straight regular-season games scoring at least 20 points, and earned 96 of 100 first-place votes for Clutch Player of the Year. He is known for his calm demeanor, mid-range mastery, and ability to make smart decisions under pressure.
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault praised Gilgeous-Alexander’s growth and steady leadership: “Who he is has never changed… He’s touched up the edges on his game and on his leadership and on his perspective.”
The MVP trophy will be presented to Gilgeous-Alexander before the Thunder open the Western Conference Finals against Wembanyama and the Spurs. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver is expected to be in attendance to honor SGA for the third time in 12 months—adding to his 2025 MVP and NBA Finals MVP accolades.
Despite Nikola Jokic’s remarkable triple-double average, the MVP trend continues to favor overall impact and team success over individual statistical feats. The last American-born MVP was James Harden in 2018, underscoring the global nature of today’s NBA superstars.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s back-to-back MVPs affirm his place among the league’s elite and highlight the continued international influence at the top of the NBA.
