Oklahoma City, OK – As the Oklahoma City Thunder surge to the forefront of the NBA with a dominant 2024–25 season, fans and analysts alike are buzzing with anticipation—not just for the team’s Finals success, but also for what could be a historic MVP race within their own roster.
In a rare but thrilling dilemma, Thunder Nation finds itself asking: Between Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams, who has the stronger claim to the 2025 NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) title?
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: The Proven MVP
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, commonly referred to as “SGA,” has already solidified himself as a franchise cornerstone. The 26-year-old Canadian guard has enjoyed a spectacular season, leading the Thunder to a league-best record while posting jaw-dropping statistics.
SGA averaged 32.7 points, 6.4 assists, and 5.0 rebounds per game, shooting efficiently from all areas of the floor. His on-ball defense, poise in the clutch, and leadership both on and off the court helped elevate Oklahoma City to a stunning 68-14 record—one of the best regular seasons in franchise history.
Just weeks ago, SGA was officially named the 2025 NBA MVP, collecting more first-place votes than Nikola Jokić and Giannis Antetokounmpo. His accolades extend beyond the regular season, as he continues to shine in the playoffs, particularly in the Finals, where he’s averaging over 30 points and anchoring the team during critical moments.
Jalen Williams: The Dark Horse on the Rise
On the other side of this discussion is the rapidly rising Jalen Williams, who has transformed from a promising second-year player into a full-fledged All-Star and fan favorite.
Williams averaged 21.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.1 assists in the regular season, earning his first All-Star selection, a spot on the All-NBA Third Team, and All-Defensive Second Team honors. His two-way versatility, ability to guard multiple positions, and elite basketball IQ have made him one of the most important pieces in OKC’s system.
He truly turned heads in Game 5 of the NBA Finals, exploding for 40 points and fueling OKC to a pivotal victory. His playoff performance has been consistent and electric, elevating his national profile and forcing basketball fans to consider his MVP potential—not just in the future, but right now.
Thunder’s Historic Dilemma: Two MVP-Caliber Players
What makes this scenario so compelling is that both players are thriving at MVP levels—on the same team. The dynamic between SGA’s steady dominance and Jalen’s meteoric rise has fueled debate not just in Oklahoma but across the basketball world.
Social media is flooded with debates over who deserves the spotlight more. Some argue that SGA, having earned the official MVP title already, is the undisputed leader. Others believe that Williams, with his clutch postseason play and impact on both ends, could emerge as a true Finals MVP contender—and perhaps a regular-season MVP favorite next year.
The Verdict?
While Shai Gilgeous-Alexander currently holds the MVP crown, Jalen Williams is no longer just a supporting star—he’s a genuine MVP candidate in his own right. Should he continue his upward trajectory, it’s only a matter of time before his name is etched into the MVP conversation permanently.
For now, Thunder fans are enjoying a rare luxury—watching not one, but two MVP-caliber players carry their franchise toward what could be its first NBA title since the team relocated to Oklahoma City.
In the battle between Shai and Jalen, there may be only one MVP trophy—but for the Thunder, the true win lies in the fact that both of their stars are rising.
