The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Detroit Pistons 114-110 in overtime on Monday thanks to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander‘s 47 points, which reignited the ongoing MVP debate during his postgame media appearance.
But the current MVP was not interested in participating. Gilgeous-Alexander doesn’t have to explain why he should be named MVP in consecutive NBA seasons. SGA gave the following response when a reporter asked him to defend himself:
“Nah, I’m good. Thanks for asking, though. But yeah, I’m good. I’ll let my game do the talking.”
Gilgeous-Alexander argues that the discussion over MVP is beneficial to the association as a whole. He said:
“It’s good for the league. I think it’s good chatter,” “It gives people something to talk about. A lot of good players in this league. A lot of guys in the conversation.”
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander when asked about the MVP debate: “It’s good for the league. I think it’s good chatter.
It gives people something to talk about. A lot of good players in this league. A lot of guys in the conversation” pic.twitter.com/gF4s2KrgpN
— Josue Pavón (@Joe_Sway) March 31, 2026
However, San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama is largely regarded as one of the top contenders for this season’s Most Valuable Player, so the OKC Thunder big man will still have to contend with tough competition.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander seems undeterred by his rivalry, though, based on his most recent remarks. Before shooting what could have been the game-winning 3-pointer after an offensive foul was called with 4.3 seconds remaining in regulation, he scored 11 straight points.
He was 21-of-25 from the free-throw line and 12-for-19 from the field, including 2-for-3 from beyond the arc. Chet Holmgren finished with 13 points, nine rebounds, two steals, and two blocks, while teammate Ajay Mitchell scored 14 points.
