NBA fans react as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander reportedly edges Nikola Jokic for MVP

Even while the regular season was still underway with weeks to go, it became clear that the standout players of the year were Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic. They led the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Denver Nuggets, respectively, delivering top-tier performances that made them frontrunners for the MVP award. Now, the Canadian guard has reportedly come out on top, and NBA fans have taken to social media to share their reactions.

“Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has won the NBA MVP award, sources tell ESPN,” reporter Shams Charania wrote on his official X account Wednesday afternoon, just hours before the official announcement. The news sparked a wave of reactions online—some celebrating the decision, others mocking it.

“He had the greatest regular season by a guard in NBA history and it’s soon to be the best season by a guard ever once he wins the title,” one fan claimed, praising the Canadian player’s campaign and predicting a championship. “Always knew it would come true… Best player in the NBA,” said another.

Several users also pointed to Game 7 of the Western Conference Semifinals between the Thunder and the Nuggets as the turning point in the MVP race. In that game, Gilgeous-Alexander dominated with 35 points compared to Jokic’s 20, playing a decisive role in OKC’s 125-93 blowout win. “Deserved. Whoever won that series was winning it,” one fan commented on X.

Nikola Jokic was NBA MVP in 2021, 2022 and 2024.

Among those who considered Shai’s selection unfair, most argued that Jokic should have won it. “Literally by far the least deserving MVP in recent memory. Him winning it over peak Jokic is a joke,” one wrote. “Worst MVP in NBA history congrats.”

see also

Oklahoma City Thunder vs Minnesota Timberwolves: Predictions for Western Conference Finals of 2024-25 NBA playoffs

Another user drew a comparison between the Thunder guard’s performance this year and what Luka Doncic accomplished with the Dallas Mavericks last year. “What exactly did he do better than Luka’s 2024 season to win MVP? I see why the viewership to this league is falling,” he noted.

Many fans also joked about Gilgeous-Alexander’s playing style. “Another MVP stolen from Jokic from a FT merchant,” one posted. “He shooting celebratory free throws,” added another. “Will he receive the trophy at the free throw line?” asked a third.

One fan even imagined a humorous scene involving the NBA commissioner: “BREAKING: Shai was awarded 2 FTs on his way to accepting the award due to incidental contact by Adam Silver.”

The number of free throws awarded to the Thunder and especially to Gilgeous-Alexander has been a recurring talking point this season. The Canadian guard has been accused on multiple occasions of drawing fouls too easily to get to the line, though the stats don’t entirely support that narrative.

Shai led the league during the regular season in free throws made, averaging 7.9 per game with an 89.8% success rate. That reflects elite efficiency and was clearly a key weapon for the Thunder throughout the year. Still, he wasn’t the league leader in free throws attempted per game—he ranked third with 8.8 attempts per contest, behind Giannis Antetokounmpo and Joel Embiid.