Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has ascended to the pinnacle of basketball achievement. After facing postseason challenges with the Los Angeles Clippers once and twice more with the Oklahoma City Thunder, the 2024-2025 regular season MVP finally lifted the coveted trophy. With a series of stellar performances in the playoffs, Gilgeous-Alexander was also crowned the Finals MVP, joining an exclusive group of players, notably surpassing the legendary Kobe Bryant in this dual achievement.
In a thrilling Game 7 victory over the Indiana Pacers, Gilgeous-Alexander not only clinched the championship but also surpassed a record achieved by Michael Jordan. This feat underscores the incredible form he has shown during recent matchups with OKC and prompts reflections on his potential long-term impact on the NBA.
This impressive achievement provides a glimpse into what Gilgeous-Alexander might continue to accomplish, assuming he remains in peak health. He has now joined the ranks of NBA stars and legends who have secured both the regular season and Finals MVP awards, a testament to his exceptional talents and perseverance.
It’s been 12 years since LeBron James accomplished this dual MVP feat in 2013, and with Gilgeous-Alexander’s latest triumph, he has entered a rarefied club. Remarkably, despite his storied career, Bryant never achieved this particular honor; during his two championship seasons, he won Finals MVP and finished second in regular season MVP voting.
The elite group Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has joined
With the Thunder’s recent championship, Shai has cemented his place among the elite in NBA history. By securing both the NBA Finals MVP and the Regular Season MVP in the same season, Gilgeous-Alexander joins a distinguished group of players who have achieved this remarkable feat. This group comprises not only legends of the game but also standout performers from various teams, united by the dual recognition of team success and individual excellence over multiple seasons.
Players who have won both the NBA Finals and Regular Season MVP awards in the same season:
- Willis Reed – 1969-1970
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – 1970-1971
- Moses Malone – 1982-1983
- Larry Bird (twice) – 1983-1984, 1985-1986
- Magic Johnson – 1986-1987
- Michael Jordan (four times) – 1990-1991, 1991-1992, 1995-1996, 1997-1998
- Hakeem Olajuwon – 1993-1994
- Shaquille O’Neal – 1999-2000
- Tim Duncan – 2002-2003
- LeBron James (twice) – 2011-2012, 2012-2013
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – 2024-2025
Outstanding accomplishments of Gilgeous-Alexander this season
In addition to his impressive NBA title and MVP honors, Gilgeous-Alexander has crafted one of the most remarkable individual seasons in 2024-2025, collecting a series of prestigious awards both in the regular season and the playoffs with the Thunder.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s 2024-2025 achievements:
- NBA Most Valuable Player
- NBA Finals MVP
- Western Conference Finals MVP
- NBA All-Star
- All-NBA First Team
- NBA Scoring Champion
As Gilgeous-Alexander continues to elevate his game, his exceptional performance this season underscores his standing as a rising star in the NBA, capturing the attention of fans and analysts alike.
SURVEY Can Gilgeous-Alexander become an NBA legend?
Can Gilgeous-Alexander become an NBA legend?
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