With just four games left to play in the 2024-25 NBA season, it is easy to expect that the Oklahoma City Thunder is likely heading into the postseason with the homecourt advantage for the rest of the playoffs – especially after they have set the franchise record for most wins in a single season, among many other massive achievements that they have accomplished in the campaign.
However, it would not have been possible without the leadership of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who has blitzed his way to the top of the MVP race right off the bat after falling short of the said award last season despite helping OKC reach its first playoff appearance since 2019, and it cannot be denied that he is eager to win this one – despite claiming that he’s after the bigger prize at hand.
Sure, the MVP is an individual award, but SGA’s impact has definitely been the biggest factor for him to top off the MVP race so far. OKC is on the pace for at least 68 wins and can even go for 70 wins at most. SGA has played 72 games this season, which is the second most he’s played in a Thunder jersey so far.
Consistency is his brand, and it does seem that Gilgeous-Alexander is setting himself apart from the rest of the pack now more than ever as he now sets his eyes on the prize.
Let’s break down his case for the MVP at this point in time:
Scoring Galore
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads the league in most 50-point games (4), 40-point games (12), 30-point games (47), and 20-point games (73). So far, it has been a historic run for the Thunder guard, who also leads the league in scoring – both in season average and in totals. For a fact, the last two times that a Thunder player has won the MVP, they were leading the scoring as Russell Westbrook (2017) and Kevin Durant (2014) did in their respective runs.
Sure, SGA also leads the league in free throws made and second in attempts per game. However, one can say that there’s definitely a lot of talk as to how Gilgeous-Alexander makes his game really special with the scoring alone.
Top 10 Total Points Scored in the 2024-25 NBA Season (As of April 8, 2025)
At this point, one can take away the fact that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s scoring galore is as special as it can be so far. He is not only leading the league with a total of 2,442 points but also demonstrating how versatile and consistent his scoring ability is. His ability to generate points in a variety of ways—whether it be driving to the basket, mid-range shooting, or drawing fouls—is truly special. His total points scored far surpass anyone else in the league, putting him in a class of his own.
With 2,000 points in 3 quarters and his ability to score without threes (1968) or free throws (1850), SGA has been on an entirely different level this season. These are not typical statistics, as it’s rare for a player to have such a high scoring impact while limiting or completely omitting major aspects of the game like three-point shooting or free throws.
SGA is proving to be the most dominant offensive weapon in the NBA. His combination of athleticism, footwork, scoring IQ, and relentless drive has placed him above other scoring titans, like Anthony Edwards, Nikola Jokic, and Giannis Antetokounmpo, in the race for total points this season.
The fact that he's managed to achieve such scoring feats without relying on certain aspects of the game makes his season all the more impressive. Whether he’s finishing at the rim, getting to the line, or scoring without the three-pointer, SGA has proven that he can do it all and has truly arrived as a franchise cornerstone.
All-Around Impact
However, SGA isn’t only playing on one side of the court. If you are not impressed, he has a wide array of stat lines at this point, and his impressive play has helped the Thunder come up with a comfortable cushion atop the Western Conference and even the rest of the league on that regard.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a transformative player for the Oklahoma City Thunder. His scoring, defense, and playmaking make him one of the most well-rounded superstars in the league today. His ability to perform at the highest level in multiple facets of the game has made him a leader who drives the success of the Thunder, and as he continues to develop, there’s no telling how far he can take OKC in the coming seasons.
SGA Individual Stats Rankings
Based on the data, SGA’s all-around game places him in the conversation as one of the top players in the NBA. Shai is one of the rare players who excels on both sides of the ball. Whether it's his elite free throw shooting, high steal rate, or defensive efficiency, SGA has a well-rounded game that makes him a versatile asset.
SGA’s no. 1 ranking in free throw percentage is another testament to his ability to capitalize on every opportunity. His elite free-throw shooting—often in clutch moments—gives him an edge over other high-volume scorers. By being able to convert at the line at such a high rate, SGA maximizes his scoring potential while minimizing wasted possessions.
Ranked second in total steals and sixth in defensive rating, Shai has proven that his impact extends well beyond scoring. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses with steals showcases his defensive awareness and quick hands. Furthermore, his solid defensive rating indicates that he’s not only able to generate steals but is also an effective defender in all aspects of the game, from on-ball defense to team defense.
Leading the Thunder
Of course, team success factors a lot as to how Shai Gilgeous-Alexander can build his case for the MVP, and it cannot be denied that he’s been really a spectacular piece for the team. The Thunder are the first in the Western Conference – by a mile, separating themselves from the rest of the pack and really showing how they have been dominant in this campaign all through their games.
On top of that, the Thunder rank 1st in defensive rating, 1st in net rating, and 3rd in offensive rating this season – and they are beating opponents by a margin of 12.9 points this season, which is the best rating among all teams in the league – in history. They even set the best interconference record this season, losing only once against Eastern Conference teams so far.
NBA Overall Standings (Updated as of April 8, 2025)
OKC has managed to sit comfortably at the top of the league, and it cannot be denied that Gilgeous-Alexander’s leadership has played a huge role in bringing the Thunder with their spectacular performances now more than ever. Considering how this has set the standard for OKC – who is 14.5 games ahead of the rest of the Western Conference, it does seem that Gilgeous-Alexander’s impact cannot be understated now more than ever.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been the catalyst behind the Oklahoma City Thunder's extraordinary 64-14 record this season. His ability to lead by example, both offensively and defensively, has turned the Thunder into one of the most dominant teams in NBA history. Oklahoma City's performance is a direct reflection of SGA’s leadership, skill, and maturity on the court.
The Thunder are no longer a rebuilding team—they are an NBA powerhouse thanks to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s rise to superstardom. With a young core around him, including players like Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams, SGA is the cornerstone of a franchise on the verge of something special. The Thunder have established themselves as one of the league's premier teams, and SGA is the face of that transformation.
