As the season rolls on, the Oklahoma City Thunder have cemented their spot among the West’s elite, knocking off conference leaders like the Celtics, Timberwolves, and reigning champion Nuggets. Through it all, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has emerged as more than just a star — he’s now a serious contender for the MVP award, something Melbet Login reporters note is finally being taken seriously by the broader basketball community. With Joel Embiid officially ruled out after undergoing meniscus surgery, his shot at back-to-back MVPs has vanished, opening the door for others to rise.
Suddenly, what once felt like a long shot for SGA is starting to look like a very real possibility. Last season, there was some debate around his All-NBA First Team selection, as the Thunder weren’t yet a playoff team and his dominance was mostly confined to the regular season. But from the FIBA World Cup to the current NBA campaign, SGA has silenced doubters with superstar-level performances that have shattered old narratives. He averaged 31.4 points, 5.5 assists, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game last season — already elite numbers that seemed nearly impossible to improve upon.
Yet here we are. In 2024, SGA has not only maintained his high scoring average but has also improved his assist, rebound, and steal stats. More importantly, he’s proven his leadership on the court, guiding the Thunder to one of the best records in the league. Oklahoma City ranks top five in offensive efficiency, shooting percentage, made field goals, blocks, and steals. Outside of the Celtics in the East and the Nuggets or Clippers in the West, few teams come close to that level of balance. SGA isn’t just performing — he’s elevating everyone around him.
As the old saying goes, reading without purpose is just wandering — and SGA’s campaign is anything but aimless. With the Thunder consistently near the top of the standings, all the boxes for an MVP season are being checked. In the early months, he trailed behind the likes of Embiid, Jokic, Giannis, and Doncic, quietly putting together his case. But now, with Embiid sidelined and both Giannis and Doncic showing signs of fatigue in leading their squads, SGA has leapt into the spotlight. According to Melbet Login users, it’s becoming clear he can no longer hide his ambition — or his momentum.
The MVP race has begun to shift from a crowded field to a head-to-head battle between SGA and Nikola Jokic. If SGA wants to complete the underdog story, Jokic — the reigning Finals MVP and two-time league MVP — stands as the final mountain to climb. At this point in his career, Jokic has reached a transcendent understanding of the game. Over the past four seasons, he’s been the most consistent, least volatile star in the league. This season, he’s shown even more willingness to compete nightly, strengthening his own MVP bid.
And as Melbet Login analysts put it, when Jokic is locked in, SGA will have to bring his absolute best to win the crown. But the door isn’t closed. As long as SGA can keep pace and maintain a competitive edge in performance, the opportunity is his for the taking. If the Thunder finish with a better regular season record than the Nuggets, that added leverage could tip the scales. And of course, delivering signature superstar moments in key games will only enhance his case.
In the end, it may all come down to execution, timing, and one-on-one brilliance — the stuff MVPs are made of.