Jan 2, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort (5) steals the ball from Los Angeles Clippers forward Derrick Jones Jr. (55) as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) defends during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Karl-Anthony Towns, and December’s NBA standouts

The NBA wrapped up December with some clear MVP vibes. Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and New York’s Karl-Anthony Towns secured the Kia NBA Players of the Month, and honestly? No one’s even side-eyeing this decision.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: The Thunder’s unstoppable force

Let’s start with Shai, who basically turned December into his personal highlight reel. The Thunder went 12-1, and Shai? He averaged an NBA-best 33.3 points per game on a ridiculous 56.3% shooting. For those keeping track, that’s video-game numbers in real life. Add 5.8 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 2.5 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game, and it’s clear why SGA is pulling his weight and then some.

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and New York Knicks center-forward Karl-Anthony Towns have been named the Kia NBA Western and Eastern Conference Players of the Month, respectively, for games played in December. pic.twitter.com/d6xGHLU0lW
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) January 2, 2025

This is Shai’s third career Player of the Month award, and honestly, it feels like he’s just getting started. Oklahoma City’s sitting at the top of the Western Conference, and Shai’s been nothing short of surgical with his efficiency. If MVP chatter isn’t already in your group chat, fix that.

Karl-Anthony Towns: The Knicks’ backbone

On the Eastern side, Karl-Anthony Towns is playing with something to prove, and it’s paying off. The Knicks logged a 12-2 record, thanks in no small part to KAT’s 23.2 points, 14.6 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game. New York has always been a basketball town, and Towns is making sure it’s about winning, not just nostalgia.

KAT is just gettin’ started 💪 pic.twitter.com/NbzSDDJggn
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) January 2, 2025

For a guy who’s often overshadowed in MVP conversations, Towns showed in December why he’s the glue holding the Knicks together. He’s dominating the glass, protecting the rim, and scoring when it matters. This recognition? Long overdue.

The rookies redefining December

The youngsters didn’t disappoint either. Yves Missi and Alex Sarr snagged Rookies of the Month, setting benchmarks for their respective squads.

Yves Missi: A rebounding machine

Missi, holding it down for the Pelicans, averaged a double-double—11.2 points and 10 rebounds per game—while leading all rookies in scoring, rebounding, and blocks. The man even topped the entire league in offensive rebounds for December. Zion who? Just kidding—but Missi has been a revelation.

Alex Sarr: The Wizards’ bright spot

Over in Washington, Sarr flexed his range, leading all rookies in 3-pointers (2.2 per game) while shooting a smooth 45.5% from deep. His versatility shone in a win over Charlotte where he stuffed the stat sheet with 19 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 blocks. For a team desperate for a spark, Sarr is exactly that.

Defensive powerhouses: Jackson Jr. and Mobley

Defense wins games, and December belonged to Jaren Jackson Jr. and Evan Mobley.

Jackson Jr. anchored Memphis with 23 steals and 22 blocks, holding opponents to 40.2% shooting. Meanwhile, Mobley drove Cleveland’s league-best 106.2 defensive rating, proving his mettle with multi-block games and consistent rim protection.

New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi and Washington Wizards forward-center Alex Sarr have been named the Kia NBA Western and Eastern Conference Rookies of the Month, respectively, for games played in December. pic.twitter.com/LdIeKzxDln
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) January 2, 2025

Lastly, let’s give flowers to the coaches. Mark Daigneault (Thunder) and Kenny Atkinson (Cavs) steered their teams to identical 12-1 records. Daigneault’s Thunder have the best start since the 90s, while Atkinson’s Cavs hit a franchise-best December win percentage.

Image: Imagn

Karl-Anthony Towns

NBA honors

NBA player of the month

NBA standouts

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Natasha Bose

I write about sports because, well, it brings in the big bucks! I’m not some lifelong analyst or stats guru, truth being told, you’ve probably never heard of me!—I just know how to research, write, and make things sound good. That’s the job!
Got into sports media the same way most people do: by (fortunate) accident. Started with SEO writing, took on a few sports gigs, and now here we are! I cover games, trades, player drama—whatever needs words.
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