Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a standout player for the reigning NBA champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, secured the NBA’s Most Valuable Player award for the second year in a row. This makes him the 18th player to achieve at least two MVP awards and the 14th to do so consecutively.
Basketball’s obviously a team sport. All the numbers, all the accolades, everything that I do on the court, if we won 10 games I wouldn’t be in this conversation. So, thank you guys so much. I love you guys.
The award ceremony took place at the Thunder’s practice facility, where Gilgeous-Alexander celebrated with his teammates. He marked the occasion by gifting them with Burberry trench coats, personalized golf bags, gift baskets, and high-end watches. His gesture underscores the importance of his team in his success.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s victory continues a trend of international players winning the MVP award. It is the eighth consecutive year for a foreign-born player to receive this recognition. This streak began with Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks in 2019 and 2020, followed by Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets in 2021 and 2022, Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers in 2023, and Jokic again in 2024. Gilgeous-Alexander earned the award in 2025 and now again in 2026.
In the MVP voting, Gilgeous-Alexander secured 83 of the 100 first-place votes. Nikola Jokic was second, and Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs took third place. Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers finished fourth, while Cade Cunningham of the Detroit Pistons placed fifth, becoming the first U.S.-born player to receive first-place votes since 2021.
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault praised Gilgeous-Alexander, noting his growth in both skill and leadership. Daigneault remarked, Who he is has never changed. I think he’s touched up the edges on his game and on his leadership and on his perspective, just like anybody else that’s coming of age.
Gilgeous-Alexander is set to face off against Wembanyama as the Thunder and Spurs begin the Western Conference finals. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver will attend to present the MVP trophy to Gilgeous-Alexander, marking his third major award within a year, including the NBA Finals MVP and Clutch Player of the Year.
Jokic’s inability to secure an MVP despite averaging a triple-double highlights a curious trend. This achievement, regarded as significant, often does not result in an MVP win. Jokic averaged 27.7 points, with his rebound and assist averages leading the league, but it was not enough to claim the MVP. Russell Westbrook and Oscar Robertson have faced similar situations in the past.
For Gilgeous-Alexander, the focus remains on team success rather than individual accolades. The way things are run in this organization and this city, it breeds success. It’s no coincidence,
he said. His performance this season solidifies his position, tallying 31.1 points per game and maintaining a streak of scoring at least 20 points over 140 consecutive regular-season games.
Known for his calm demeanor and strategic gameplay, Gilgeous-Alexander emphasizes teamwork over individual performance. He attributes his success to the collective efforts of those around him.