With the regular season completed. I’m here today to break down — the reigning MVP, definitive case.
This is not about who I think should, but more about helping others understand the legitimacy of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s case.
Now let’s talk about Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
In 68 appearances, SGA averaged 31.1 points on 55/38/88 shooting splits, plus 6.6 assists (to only 2.2 turnovers). Talk about the maximum level of efficiency. Factor in how he’s done a lot of his damage in only three quarters — he’s sat out 26 fourth quarters this year — which makes his season even more ridiculous.
OKC record: 56-12 with him (82.3% win rate, 68-win pace); 8-6 without him (57.1% win rate).
Notable advanced stats: 1st in Win Shares, 1st in estimated plus-minus (EPM), 2nd in offensive estimated plus-minus (O-EPM), and 3rd in LEBRON.
SGA Should Win Back-to-Back MVPs
Case #1: Consistency
To simplify, SGA’s case: his level of consistency has been undeniable. His blend of efficiency and scoring dominance in the paint (shot 60.2% on 1023 attempts from two) and in the mid-range (shot 54.9% on 355 attempts, which led the NBA), along with the winning, is something you don’t see from guards.
Let’s bring up some history.
SGA is on a current streak of scoring 20+ points in 140 consecutive games (83.8% win rate during the span), the most of all time.
Only two guards have averaged 30 or more points on 50% shooting or better from the floor, while their team wins 60% or more of their games — the two players: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Michael Jordan.
The scoring dominance has enhanced his playmaking, which has benefited his teammates; that improvement has been a necessity for further unlocking the Thunder’s offense as teams now deploy to defend him.
While he hasn’t peaked as high as the other candidates, nobody has been as steady or maintained his level of consistency for the duration of the season.
Case #2: Delivering in the Clutch
In the times when he’s actually needed in high-pressure clutch situations, nobody has been better.
Now, let’s dive deeper into the clear Clutch Player of the Year 2025-26 season resume.
- He led the NBA in clutch points (175) on 51/35/85 shooting splits while having a 21 to 7 assist to turnover ratio.
- He made a league-best 22 shots to tie or take the lead in clutch situations.
- The Thunder were 20-7 in clutch games he played in (74% win rate), and outscored opponents by a league-best 93 points in the 125 minutes he’s played.
No matter who’s out there with him or in the situation, nobody has delivered like SGA.
Case #3: Overcoming Injuries
Transitioning into “it doesn’t matter who’s out there with him or the situation,” clearly extends to his own teammates, as the Thunder were second in missed games due to injuries.
Nine of Oklahoma City’s key rotational players have missed 10+ games this season: Jalen Williams (49), Isaiah Hartenstein (35), Alex Caruso (26), Kenrich Williams (26), Ajay Mitchell (25), Aaron Wiggins (17), Jaylin Williams (17), Lu Dort (13), and Chet Holmgren (13).
This is not usually the recipe for winning 60+ games. Despite that, the Thunder ended the season with a league-best 64-18 record.
Mark Daigneault and Sam Presti deserve credit for establishing a unique culture and instilling a well-oiled execution level system during their tenure together. However, none of this would be possible without the floor and ceiling-raising of SGA, which deserves a phrase in its own right.
The Thunder are a good team (+7.3 net rating) with SGA off the floor; they are a historical team (+16.2 net rating) with him on the floor.
It’s not appreciated enough just how much he does and unlocks this offense. The Thunder’s ORTG jumps from 113.6 (when he’s off the court) to 122.9 (when he’s on the court), which would rank 24th and first in the league, respectively.
Case #4: Defense
The defensive metrics and data favor SGA quite a lot.
He’s among the top percentile as a screen-navigator in the pick-and-roll and off-the-ball, and in defending drives.
Those numbers would give him a legitimate shot at an All-Defensive team, but having and understanding the full context of matchups does not.
Diving into his isolation defense and closeout would tell you that he’s more of a neutral defender.
The eye-test will tell you that he is above-average; not just one who needs to be hidden behind his array of elite and multi-level defenders, but one who provides elite-level impact when fully locked in on that end.
He operates best as a roamer who plays free safety, covering passing lanes, racking up steals, and as a backline helpside defender. His stock numbers (steals + blocks) may be a bit down from last season. But his improvement as a secondary rim protector doesn’t get talked about enough. He improved significantly in that area as opponents converted 58.8% of their shots at the rim. Putting him in the same realm as players behind Derrick White and ahead of Amen Thompson.
The freedom and ability to use his length and defensive instincts to cause chaos have played a factor in the Thunder having a league-best 106.5 DRTG.
For those who are on the side of MVPs must provide value and impact the game on both ends. SGA certainly crosses that threshold.
After unpacking and breaking down his definitive case, SGA checks the boxes to win back-to-back MVPs.
Main Image: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
