Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was officially named the NBA Most Valuable Player for the 2025-26 season on May 16, marking his second consecutive MVP win and placing him among only 14 players to achieve back-to-back honors in league history [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. He is the first guard to win consecutive MVP awards since Stephen Curry did so in 2014-15 and 2015-16 [1, 2, 3, 4].
Gilgeous-Alexander played a key role in the Oklahoma City Thunder's strong 64-18 regular season record, averaging 31.1 points, 6.6 assists, and 4.3 rebounds over 68 games [1, 2, 3]. He led the Thunder to the NBA championship last year and is currently guiding them through the Western Conference finals against the San Antonio Spurs [6, 1, 2, 7, 5].
The MVP was officially announced during a televised event on Sunday following an ESPN leak [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. Gilgeous-Alexander received 939 voting points and 83 first-place votes, outpacing runner-up Nikola Jokic, who had 634 points [2, 8]. Capping his remarks, Gilgeous-Alexander credited his teammates, saying, "Basketball’s obviously a team sport. ... if we won 10 games I wouldn’t be in this conversation. So, thank you guys so much. I love you guys." [2]
In the current series, the Thunder and Spurs are in a close fight. After losing Game 1 on May 15 to the Spurs 122-115—where Spurs star Victor Wembanyama scored 41 points—the Thunder rebounded to win Game 2 by 122-113 with Gilgeous-Alexander scoring 30 points [6, 7]. On May 22, Oklahoma City won Game 3 123-108, taking a 2-1 series lead as Gilgeous-Alexander contributed 26 points and 12 assists [9, 10, 11, 12].
Despite the strong output, Gilgeous-Alexander has shot less efficiently against the Spurs, hitting just 39.1% through three games compared to over 50% earlier this season [9, 11, 12]. However, he was nearly perfect from the free-throw line in the series, making 26 of 27 attempts [9, 11, 12]. Thunder coach Mitch Johnson noted, "I think part of those free throws came from our own mistakes, from a lack of discipline in abandoning our defensive positions. Shai knew how to punish us for it." [9]
The Thunder rely on a physical defensive approach against Wembanyama that combines smaller defenders like Alex Caruso and bigger players such as Isaiah Hartenstein [9, 11, 12]. Wembanyama himself acknowledged room for improvement, saying, "I have trouble making my teammates better right now. I should do better... facilitate better, rebound the ball better." [10]
The series has seen injury setbacks, with Thunder guard Jalen Williams suffering a left hamstring recurrence in Game 2, possibly sidelining him for Game 4 [7, 10]. The Spurs have also faced setbacks, with All-Star guard De’Aaron Fox sidelined due to ankle soreness and Dylan Harper injured during Game 2 [7].
Gilgeous-Alexander said he embraces the Spurs crowd chanting "flopper," adding, "I, honestly, like it. It makes the game more interesting, more fun and more exciting." [9, 11, 12]
The next game, Game 4, is scheduled in San Antonio on May 24, where the Thunder hold a 2-1 lead in the series [6, 9, 11].
