Shai Gilgeous-Alexander made sure to let his teammates know that his 2025 Most Valuable Player award belonged to them as much as it did him, Joel Lorenzi of The Oklahoman writes.. Gilgeous-Alexander averaged over 30 points per game for the third year in a row en route to his first career MVP as the Thunder went 68-14 this season.
“You guys are really like my brothers, and I really mean that,” Gilgeous-Alexander said to his teammates. “And without you guys, none of this would be possible, and I want you guys to know this award is your award, too.”
Gilgeous-Alexander lost last year’s MVP race in a landslide, but bested Denver’s Nikola Jokic this time around.
“All the moments I got cut, traded, slighted, overlooked, I had nights where I thought I wasn’t good at basketball, had nights where I thought I was the best player in the world before I was,” Gilgeous-Alexander said.
We have more from the Thunder/Wolves playoff series:
- The Thunder are back to their dominant ways after a challenging second-round series against the Nuggets, Anthony Slater of The Athletic writes. Neither of their first two games against Minnesota have been particularly close. “Our resolve in that series is what got sharpened,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said. “We had our backs against the wall and had to respond multiple times.”
- Julius Randle has been one of the major drivers for the Timberwolves‘ Western Conference Finals push, but he had his first tough game of the postseason in Game 2 against the Thunder, scoring just six points and making only two of his 11 field goal attempts. As Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic writes, Randle’s poor showing came at the worst time for the Wolves, who now face a 0-2 deficit. “We know what type of defense they are,” Randle said. “They’re going to swarm you. So I’ve got to get myself into actions, setting screens, on the move. I think I was just like standing and spectating a little too much today.”
- Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards refused to speak to reporters after Game 2 after he was fined $50K for dropping an f-bomb during his media session after Game 1, per Krawczynski (Twitter link).
I’m guessing the Wolves get a split at home – but will they win game 3, or game 4?
OKC is favored by 2.5 tonight.
OKC is a much better version of Minny. They play the same way but OK is just way way better at it. I’d guess sweep unless Ant goes off one game and wins it by himself, which he is completely capable of doing.
Poor SGA can’t keep his balance, getting fouled the WHOLE time. Really enjoyed the way Edwards threw the ball at him after yet another fall in game one (E. got a technical for it).
If only Edwards could be professional and not run from the media.
Minnesota losing two games on the road is what’s expected. The Knicks losing two at home is completely unacceptable. Someone needs to take the blame in the off-season. No excuses!!!!
Okc gonna b tough to beat for indy, theyre great
Might take 7 for pacers to win the chip
Indy can’t compete with OKC. They aren’t in the same league.