The Oklahoma City Thunder have been on an absolute surge this season.
Not only have they already clinched the Western Conference's No. 1 seed, but the Thunder are 9-1 over their last 10 games and winners of five in a row.
Point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been leading the way for the Thunder, averaging a league-best 32.9 points per game.
For the second year in a row, the All-NBA guard leads the league with eight made free throws per game on 90.1%.
Chet Holmgren makes clear Shai Gilgeous-Alexander statement
Chet Holmgren has truly complimented what the Thunder do well this season.
Since his return, the former Gonzaga big man averages 14.3 points per game on 50% shooting. His 2.4 blocks per game is one of the reasons the Thunder are 12-2 since his return.
With the regular season nearing its conclusion, Holmgren wasn't shy on his remarks as to why Gilgeous-Alexander is deserving of this year's Most Valuable Player Award.
"What everyone sees is the highlight plays after games and the insane stats," said Holmgren. "Beyond all that, the most important thing that Shai has done is continuing to trust, especially in situations where guys throw two or three guys to try and stop him.
"I mean, I've personally watched him score on all five guys on the other team. He never has to pass the ball, that's how good he is, but he understands how to make other people around him better. He just makes the team better."
The Thunder have become known for their famous postgame interviews in which most members of the starting five bunch in the frame and take the questions as a team, rather than just one player.
"I think the most important thing that he's done is using his ability and gravity to make everyone better," said Holmgren. "I think that, mixed in with the stats, highlights, and wins, it makes it hard to not see an MVP case here."
Chet Holmgren believes Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the obvious choice for MVP:
"What everyone sees is the highlight plays after games and the insane stats. Beyond all that, the most important thing that Shai has done is continuing to trust, especially in situations where guys… pic.twitter.com/DR0fUFBgFs
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) March 22, 2025
The tradition has made the team closer and a tighter-kit group than what you're accustomed to seeing in the NBA. It reminds you of a trendy Cinderella underdog college team.
Considering they're the youngest team in the NBA, perhaps it shouldn't be as surprising to see this team be so filled with joy playing the game they all love.
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This story was originally published March 22, 2025 at 1:41 PM.