Shai Gilgeous-Alexander emphasized to his teammates that his 2025 Most Valuable Player award was a collective achievement, as reported by Joel Lorenzi of The Oklahoman. The guard averaged over 30 points per game for the third consecutive year, securing his first MVP title while guiding the Thunder to an impressive 68-14 record this season.
“You guys are really like my brothers, and I truly mean that,” Gilgeous-Alexander expressed to his teammates. “Without you guys, none of this would be achievable, and I want you all to know that this award belongs to you as well.”
After being decisively defeated in the MVP race the previous year, he managed to edge out Denver’s Nikola Jokic this time.
“All the moments I’ve faced rejection, trades, being overlooked, I had nights where I doubted my basketball abilities, and others where I felt like the best player in the world even before I was recognized as one,” Gilgeous-Alexander noted.
Here’s what else is happening in the Thunder/Wolves playoff series:
- After a tough second-round matchup against the Nuggets, the Thunder have returned to their dominant form, with both of their games against Minnesota being one-sided, writes Anthony Slater of The Athletic. “What sharpened our resolve in that series was facing adversity,” said Thunder coach Mark Daigneault. “We had to respond multiple times with our backs against the wall.”
- Julius Randle has been pivotal for the Timberwolves in their Western Conference Finals run, but he faced a challenging Game 2 against the Thunder, managing only six points and hitting just two of his 11 shots. According to Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic, this disappointing performance came at a crucial moment for Minnesota, which now trails 0-2. “We know what kind of defense they play,” Randle remarked. “They’re going to swarm you, so I need to be in the mix, setting screens, moving around. I feel like I was just a bit too passive today.”
- After Game 2, Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards declined to speak with the media in light of being fined for inappropriate language, as per Krawczynski (Twitter link). Edwards received a $50K fine.
Image Source: Gilgeous-Alexander @ Instagram
