Canadian Shai Gilgeous-Alexander named finalist for NBA’s MVP award
Oklahoma City Thunder star and Hamilton native Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been named one of three finalists for the NBA’s Most Valuable Player award, the league announced Sunday.
The 25-year-old is up against the Denver Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic and Dallas Mavericks’ Luka Doncic for the league’s most prestigious hardware. Gilgeous-Alexander is hoping to become the second Canadian ever to win the award and first since Steve Nash did it in back-to-back seasons between 2004-06.
A two-time All-Star, Gilgeous-Alexander is having arguably one of the best seasons ever by someone from north of the border, as he’s averaged 30.1 points (third in the NBA), 5.5 rebounds, and 6.2 assists. His biggest area of growth has come on the defensive end as he’s turned into an elite two-way player, averaging two steals (tied-first in the NBA) and 0.9 blocks a game.
He’s led the Thunder to 57 wins and the No. 1 seed in the West, their best record in a decade and the first time they’ve topped the conference since 2013. Oklahoma City is set to take on the New Orleans Pelicans in round one of the NBA Playoffs, Gilgeous-Alexander’s first post-season appearance as a bonafide No. 1 option.
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Broadcast Schecule
Finalists for seven end-of-season awards were revealed on the Inside the NBA on TNT broadcast Sunday prior to Milwaukee Bucks vs. Indiana Pacers.
Here’s a full list:
Sixth Man of the Year
Malik Monk (Sacramento Kings), Bobby Portis (Milwaukee Bucks) and Naz Reid (Minnesota Timberwolves)
Rookie of the Year
Chet Holmgren (Oklahoma City Thunder), Brandon Miller (Charlotte Hornets), and Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs)
Most Improved Player
Tyrese Maxey (Philadelphia 76ers), Alperen Sengun (Houston Rockets) and Coby White (Chicago Bulls)
Defensive Player of the Year
Bam Adebayo (Miami Heat), Rudy Gobert (Minnesota Timberwolves) and Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs)
Clutch Player of the Year
Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors), DeMar DeRozan (Chicago Bulls) and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Coach of the Year
Mark Daigneault (Oklahoma City Thunder), Chris Finch (Minnesota Timberwolves) and Jamahl Mosley (Orlando Magic)