Better Than Luka? Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP Campaign at Age 26

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) delivered a statement performance as the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Dallas Mavericks 118-104 in a high-stakes Western Conference showdown. This victory wasn’t just about advancing in the in-season tournament’s knockout stage—it was a direct clash between two of the hottest teams in the West and a potential preview of the Western Conference Finals.

Coming into the game, the Mavericks had won 11 of their last 12 contests, while the Thunder had taken 8 of their last 9. This set the stage for an epic duel, and SGA stole the show, reaffirming his status as one of the NBA’s brightest stars.

Dominance on Both Ends of the Court

SGA’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. In 38 minutes, he scored 39 points on 15-of-23 shooting, including 5-of-9 from three and a perfect 4-of-4 from the free-throw line. Adding 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, and a block, SGA showcased his two-way dominance.

The tone was set early when he dropped 16 points in the first quarter, matching Luka Dončić’s total for the entire game. After the Mavericks opened on a 9-2 run, SGA’s scoring flurry flipped the script and gave the Thunder a lead they would never relinquish.

In the third quarter, SGA once again took over, playing all 12 minutes and scoring another 16 points on 7-of-8 shooting. By the end of the quarter, the Thunder had built a commanding 90-73 lead. Even when Dallas threatened in the fourth, cutting the deficit to 10, SGA responded with timely buckets to stifle their momentum. His impact was evident in the numbers—he registered a +22 plus-minus before the game entered garbage time. When SGA was off the court for fewer than 9 minutes, the Thunder were outscored by 10 points.

Historical Context: SGA’s Consistent Excellence

While 39 points may not seem extraordinary by superstar standards, it’s noteworthy for SGA. This marked his second-highest scoring output of the season, trailing only a career-high 45-point game against the Clippers. For a player who has averaged over 30 points per game twice in his career, SGA’s lack of 50-point explosions is surprising. He is the only player in NBA history with multiple 30+ PPG seasons who hasn’t scored 50 in a game.

SGA has recorded just 14 games with 40+ points in his career, a stark contrast to other scoring elites like James Harden, Stephen Curry, or Luka Dončić. For example, Donovan Mitchell—who averaged 28.3 PPG in the 2022-23 season—had 13 games with 40+ points in that single season, nearly matching SGA’s career total.

What sets SGA apart isn’t his scoring explosiveness but his unparalleled consistency. Over his last 14 games, he’s scored at least 30 points in 10 contests, with his lowest output being 26. During this span, he’s averaged 33.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 6.4 assists, and 2.0 steals while shooting 53.3% from the field, 38.1% from three, and 84.2% from the line, with a true shooting percentage of 64.7%.

Extending this to the season, SGA’s averages stand at 30.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, 6.3 assists, and 1.8 steals per game on shooting splits of 51.5%/34.0%/85.9%, with a true shooting percentage of 62.9%. These numbers have powered the Thunder to a 19-5 record, the best in the Western Conference.

SGA’s Impact on the Thunder

SGA’s value to the Thunder cannot be overstated. When he’s on the court, OKC’s offensive rating soars to 119.2, with a net rating of +16.3. When he’s off the floor, the team’s offensive rating plummets to 102.3, and their net rating drops to +1.2. His ability to elevate the team’s play on both ends is a testament to his leadership and all-around game.

In terms of advanced metrics, SGA ranks third in Player Efficiency Rating (PER) at 28.6, trailing only Nikola Jokić (33.2) and Giannis Antetokounmpo (31.5). While he may not match the statistical dominance of Jokić or Giannis—or even Luka once he hits his stride—SGA’s combination of elite production, team success, and individual impact makes him a legitimate MVP candidate.

The MVP Race: SGA’s Path to Glory

The MVP race is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent years. While Jokić and Giannis have been perennial contenders, their teams’ inconsistent records could open the door for players like SGA, Jayson Tatum, or Luka Dončić.

For SGA, securing the MVP would be a career-defining achievement. It would not only validate his place among the league’s elite but also elevate his historical standing. As a player on pace to average 30+ points for a third consecutive season, an MVP would cement his legacy as one of the most consistent scorers of his era.

A Rivalry in the Making: SGA vs. Luka

The comparisons between SGA and Luka Dončić are inevitable. Both players were drafted in 2018 and have since emerged as superstars. Luka has long been regarded as the face of their draft class, but SGA’s recent ascent has made the conversation more intriguing.

Statistically, Luka’s explosive performances and high usage often grab headlines, but SGA’s consistency and defensive impact make him equally valuable. The question now is: who will achieve more first? Will SGA win an MVP before Luka? Or will Luka lead the Mavericks to a championship before SGA and the Thunder?

The Road Ahead

At just 26 years old, SGA’s best years are still ahead of him. With a young and talented supporting cast, including Chet Holmgren, Josh Giddey, and Jalen Williams, the Thunder are poised to contend for years to come. If SGA can maintain his level of play and lead OKC to sustained success, his MVP chances will only increase.

For now, SGA’s focus remains on the present, but his trajectory suggests that it’s only a matter of time before he claims his place among the NBA’s all-time greats.