Image Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander widens the MVP race gap with a career-high night against Jazz

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is -600 to win NBA's Most Valuable Player award.

Image Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander heated the MVP race as the Oklahoma City star erupted for his first career 50-point game on Wednesday. His outstanding performance helped the West-leading Thunder to a 123-114 home win over the Utah Jazz.

Shai’s previous career high was 45, accomplished twice earlier this season. On this day, his idol Kobe Bryant dropped 81 points in 2006 and Gilgeous-Alexander achieved a career-high on the same day. Aside from him, only Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook have scored 50 points in a single game in franchise history.

SHAI TONIGHT:

54 POINTS (CAREER-HIGH)
8 REBOUNDS
5 ASSISTS
17/35 FG
17/18 FT

MVP… MVP… MVP 🔥 pic.twitter.com/fS0xhvFGqj
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) January 23, 2025

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Unfolding Gilgeous-Alexander’s record-breaking night

Gilgeous-Alexander scored 23 points in the first half and Oklahoma City held a 57-55 lead at the break. He scored 18 points in the OKC’s 38-point third quarter. When the former Kentucky student returned to fourth after a short break, he hit a 3-pointer to secure his career night.

Gilgeous-Alexander scored 13 points in the final quarter and helped the Thunder regain the lead when the game was tied at 106 points with just five minutes remaining. Gilgeous-Alexander made a fadeaway jumper in the lane to cross the 50-point mark. Oklahoma City had a 17-8 run in the end to wrap up the game.

"Had a few more points tonight, but nothing special."

Shai's keeping the focus on the work after his first-career 50-PT game 💯 pic.twitter.com/FKelv0ytkN
— NBA (@NBA) January 23, 2025

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander talked to the media on his career high 54 points, “I feel like I wasn’t my best tonight regardless of what the scoreboard says. I feel like I’ve had better games this season.”

The two-time NBA All-Star attempted a career-high 35 shots and went 17 of 18 from the free throw line. He tallied 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocks.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander favorites to win MVP this season

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is rightfully running away with the MVP and the Thunder star has increased the gap with his MVP rivals, Nikola Jokic, who dropped four straight triple-doubles without playing the fourth quarter.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is -600 to win MVP

That’s an 85% implied probability 😳 pic.twitter.com/EP4IHmpFR0
— TF (@ThunderFocus) January 23, 2025

As per betting odds, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is -600 to win the NBA’s Most Valuable Player award. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 32 points per game on 60%-35%-90% shooting splits. It’s a bonkers season for the 26-year-old guard, who is sitting atop the league’s most recent MVP ladder.

NBA MVP Rankings 2024-25:

1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – Oklahoma City Thunder
2. Nikola Jokić – Denver Nuggets
3. Giannis Antetokounmpo – Milwaukee Bucks
4. Karl-Anthony Towns – New York Knicks
5. Victor Wembanyama – San Antonio Spurs

Shai’s career night on Wednesday has solidified his standing in the MVP ladder and he is the frontrunner to become Most Valuable Player of this season. The Thunder will take on the Nets, Blazers and Warriors next. Gilgeous-Alexander can eye even bigger numbers in upcoming games.

Image Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

NBA 2024-25

NBA MVP

Oklahoma City Thunder

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Gulshan Sharma

nba

soccer

wnba

A native of Jaipur, Rajasthan, journalist, and a complete soccer and basketball fan, he found the huge interest with basketball by watching videos of Allen Iverson and Tony Parker, but fell head over heels in love with the sport during the Warriors’ championship era (2015-2018). A sports game addict since his late PS1, he’s also passionate about the Eagles, Inter Miami and the Fever. He’s fortunate to have seen all his favorite teams win championships. He also has a special love for cricket and football (soccer), where he is a fan of Royal Challengers Bangalore and Barcelona.