The Mystery Behind the 2024-25 MVP Title: Why Did Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Surpass Jokic and Giannis?

The 2024-25 NBA MVP race has officially come to a close, and after months of heated debate, the torch has been passed to a new face of the league. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the electrifying guard of the Oklahoma City Thunder, has claimed the highest individual honor in the sport—the NBA’s Most Valuable Player award.

Beating out fellow finalists Nikola Jokić of the Denver Nuggets and Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks, Gilgeous-Alexander’s name is now etched in history alongside the game’s greatest.

Let’s break down how Shai’s incredible season, the context of his rivals, and the historic nature of this MVP win all came together in one of the most thrilling MVP races in recent memory.

A Historic First MVP Season for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP campaign wasn’t just dominant—it was historic. He became only the second player in NBA history, after Michael Jordan, to average at least 30 points on 50% shooting, while also contributing 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1 block per game.

According to Shams Charania of ESPN, who broke the story ahead of the NBA’s official announcement, Gilgeous-Alexander’s unique combination of offensive explosiveness and two-way impact made this a long-overdue coronation.

“First MVP: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the No. 1-seed Thunder to a league-high 68 wins and became the second player in NBA history to average at least 30 points on 50% shooting, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 1.5 steals and 1 block per game along with Michael Jordan,” Shams reported.

Averaging 32.7 points, 6.4 assists, and 5.0 rebounds, Gilgeous-Alexander didn’t just lead statistically—he led by example. His performance was the driving force behind Oklahoma City’s stunning 68-win season, securing the best record in the league and the top seed in the Western Conference.

Why Shai Beat Out Jokić and Giannis

While all three finalists had MVP-caliber seasons, the context of team success and statistical output tilted the scales in favor of Gilgeous-Alexander.

• Nikola Jokić, the reigning MVP and a three-time winner, averaged an outstanding 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game. But his Denver Nuggets finished just 5th in the Western Conference standings.

• Giannis Antetokounmpo, another former MVP, put up 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game for a Milwaukee Bucks squad that, while strong, fell short of Oklahoma City’s dominance.

Jokić and Giannis may have had slightly better box scores in certain categories, but what separated Shai was the Thunder’s team success combined with his elite two-way play.

The MVP Voters Prioritized Winning and Leadership

This MVP decision wasn’t just about stats—it was about narrative, leadership, and impact.

Gilgeous-Alexander led a young OKC squad to the top of the standings in a hyper-competitive Western Conference. His maturity, poise in clutch moments, and improvement as a defender made him the clear leader of the most improved team in the NBA.

In contrast, Jokić had to deal with “MVP fatigue”, a real phenomenon in sports where voters shy away from giving the award to the same player too many times. While Jokić put up numbers worthy of a fourth MVP, the narrative favored a rising star.

Giannis, despite an excellent season, didn’t have the same storyline momentum or the same degree of overall team success. His Bucks endured inconsistency and roster issues throughout the year.

OKC’s Rise Fuels the MVP Campaign

The Thunder weren’t even a playoff team just two years ago. Now, they’re title contenders, and Gilgeous-Alexander is the engine behind it all.

• OKC finished 68-14, the best record in the NBA.

• The team boasted a top-5 offense and defense.

• Shai was the undisputed closer in late-game situations, routinely delivering big buckets in the fourth quarter.

This rapid rise from lottery team to 1-seed wasn’t just a coaching miracle—it was a product of Shai’s relentless offseason work, growth as a floor general, and expanded leadership role. His MVP win is just as much a testament to OKC’s rebuild as it is to his own brilliance.

Gilgeous-Alexander Becomes the First Guard MVP Since James Harden

With this award, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander becomes the first guard to win MVP since James Harden in 2018. In an era dominated by forwards and big men like Jokić, Giannis, and LeBron, this is a huge win for perimeter players.

He’s also:

• The first Thunder player to win MVP since Kevin Durant in 2014

• One of the few Canadian players ever to be named MVP

• The youngest MVP since Derrick Rose in 2011

For a player once traded by the Clippers in the Paul George deal, this is the ultimate redemption arc.

Nikola Jokić: Still the Standard of Consistency

Despite missing out on the MVP, Nikola Jokić had another phenomenal season. His averages of 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists were not just impressive—they were historic.

He remains the most efficient high-usage player in the league, continuing to lead in advanced metrics like PER, Win Shares, and Box Plus-Minus.

Jokić may have finished as runner-up, but make no mistake—he is still the heart and soul of the Denver Nuggets and a defining figure of this NBA era.

Giannis Antetokounmpo: Perennial Contender

Giannis Antetokounmpo remains one of the most dominant forces in basketball. His blend of power, speed, and improved playmaking is unmatched, and his 30-11-6 season would be MVP-worthy in most years.

But in 2024-25, team inconsistency and injuries hampered the Bucks’ momentum. With the East surging in competitiveness, Giannis will need even more from his supporting cast next season if he hopes to return to the top of the MVP race.

What This MVP Win Means for the Future of the NBA

The crowning of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as MVP signals a changing of the guard in the NBA—both literally and figuratively.

With LeBron James nearing retirement, Kevin Durant aging, and Stephen Curry no longer a perennial MVP threat, the NBA needed a new wave of superstars to lead it into the next decade.

Shai is now at the forefront of that movement, joined by the likes of:

• Luka Dončić

• Jayson Tatum

• Anthony Edwards

• Victor Wembanyama

The league’s future is bright, and Shai’s MVP season is just the beginning.

Looking Ahead: Can Shai Lead OKC to a Title?

Winning MVP is one thing. Winning a title is another.

With a deep and versatile roster that includes Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, and Josh Giddey, the Thunder are now legitimate championship contenders. The pressure will now be on Gilgeous-Alexander to convert regular-season dominance into playoff greatness.

If he can guide OKC to the NBA Finals and capture a championship? We might be witnessing the birth of a dynasty.

Final Thoughts: The MVP Race of 2024-25 Delivered

In one of the most hotly contested MVP races in recent history, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander emerged victorious, combining elite stats, elite leadership, and elite team success to take home the crown.

While Nikola Jokić and Giannis Antetokounmpo continue to define excellence in their own ways, it’s clear that the league has found its new leading man.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander isn’t just the MVP of this season—he’s the face of the NBA’s future.