Why SGA won MVP | CBC Sports
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander made history last night by winning the NBA’s Most Valuable Player award, becoming just the second Canadian ever to achieve this honor. The last Canadian to win this prestigious award was Steve Nash, who took home the MVP title back-to-back in 2005 and 2006. Gilgeous-Alexander’s win was well-deserved, as he led the league in scoring and propelled his team, the Oklahoma City Thunder, to the best record in the entire NBA.
The 26-year-old guard from Hamilton, Ontario, put up impressive numbers throughout the season, averaging 32.7 points per game, which surpassed notable players like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic. In addition to his scoring prowess, Gilgeous-Alexander also averaged 6.4 assists, five rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game, showcasing his versatility and impact on both ends of the floor. His stellar performance not only led the Thunder to the top defensive rating in the league but also contributed to their fourth-best offensive rating.
What sets Gilgeous-Alexander apart from many other players in the league is his durability and consistency. He played in 76 out of the Thunder’s 82 games, demonstrating his commitment to his team and the sport. He scored at least 20 points in almost every game, with a remarkable streak of 72 consecutive games scoring 20 points or more. His ability to deliver high-scoring performances night after night, including multiple games with 30, 40, and even 50 points, solidified his case for the MVP award.
Despite his impressive statistics and impact on the court, Gilgeous-Alexander faced close competition in the MVP race. Nikola Jokic, the MVP winner in three of the previous four years, received 29 first-place votes, highlighting the tight race between the two players. Jokic’s triple-double average and exceptional passing skills made him a formidable contender for the award, showcasing a different style of play compared to Gilgeous-Alexander’s scoring prowess.
Critics of Gilgeous-Alexander have pointed to his ability to draw fouls and excel at free-throw shooting as potential drawbacks to his game. However, his knack for getting to the line and converting free throws efficiently is a valuable skill that contributes to his scoring output and overall impact on the game. Ultimately, Gilgeous-Alexander’s ability to do whatever it takes to win, whether through scoring, playmaking, or working the referees, exemplifies the qualities of a true MVP.
Looking ahead, Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP win has set the stage for a potentially historic postseason run for the Oklahoma City Thunder. With the team heavily favored to advance to the NBA Finals, where they could face the Indiana Pacers, led by Canadian players like Andrew Nembhard and Bennedict Mathurin, the upcoming matchups promise to be exciting for fans. As the Thunder aim for a championship title, Gilgeous-Alexander’s stellar performance and leadership will be key factors in determining the outcome of the postseason.
