Shai Gilgeous-Alexander missed out on the MVP trophy despite having a career year with the OKC Thunder. The Canadian guard averaged 30.1 PPG, 5.5 RPG and 6.2 APG, while also leading the league in steals. He scored 30+ points in 51 games during the regular season and his brilliance helped the OKC Thunder finish as the number one seed in the stacked Western Conference.
Former NBA star Shaquille O’Neal came out in support of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and expressed his disappointment with the Thunder player missing out on the award. He had an interaction with Nikola Jokic, who won the MVP award on ‘Inside the NBA’ where he told the big man that Shai deserved to win the award over him.
“I felt Shai Alexander deserved it. I’ve been No. 2 a lot and I played my ass off No. 2, so the fact that he has to start all over next year and try to win it again. … I know it’s going to be hurtful for him. Hopefully, he uses this to motivate him to win a championship,” said the four-time NBA champion while talking about Shai’s MVP snub.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will now be looking at the NBA championship
After leading his team to an unexpected first-seed finish in the West, Shai Gilegous-Alexander has continued his brilliance with a stellar postseason run. His team were able to complete a first-round sweep of the New Orleans Pelicans and already have a 1-0 lead over the Dallas Mavericks in the second round. During this unbeaten start to their playoff run, Shai has averaged 27.6 PPG, 6.6 RPG and 5.8 APG, while shooting 46.6% from the field.
He has been clutch and riding on his brilliance they have looked very comfortable so far. The series against Dallas is certainly going to test his ability as he will be up against the likes of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Both of them have the experience of playing in the playoffs, while this is the first time for Shai on the big stage as the main guy.
The Mavs have a terrific defense and could stop opponents easily in their tracks. But Shai is an offensive genius and despite their best efforts, they were unable to contain him in Game 1. If all their players continue performing at a high level, the Thunder can certainly move into the next round with ease. Having missed out on the MVP award, Shai would certainly be gutted. But like Shaq mentioned, he should use this to fuel his motivation and go all the way to win the NBA championship this season.
