Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Runner-Up in MVP Voting

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was sensational in 2023-24. The former Kentucky Wildcat was one of the best players in the NBA, but it wasn’t good enough to dethrone Nikola Jokic.

For the third time in four years, Jokic is the NBA MVP. Gilgeous-Alexander finished second in MVP voting. A former Kentucky Wildcat has still never won the NBA MVP award.

Jokic received 79 of 99 first-place votes. Gilgeous-Alexander tallied 15 first-place votes, while third-place finisher Luka Doncic secured four.

It was a banner year for Gilgeous-Alexander. Shai was one of only three players in the NBA to average 30+ points per game, posting a career-high 30.1 ppg. while shooting 53.5% from the floor. Shai broke Kevin Durant’s franchise record by scoring at least 30 points in 51 games. He also finished the regular season with 150 steals, tied with De’Aaron Fox for the most in the NBA.

SGA’s outstanding season propelled the youngest team in the NBA to the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference. The Oklahoma City Thunder brought the brooms out for a first round sweep, then completely controlled game one against Doncic’s Mavericks. Shai was one assist and one rebound away from a triple-double. He tallied 29 points, nine boards, and nine assists in last night’s 117-95 victory. The Thunder return to action tomorrow night at 9:30 pm EST.

Final NBA MVP Voting

1. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets (926 points)
2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder (640)
3. Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks (566)
4. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks (192)
5. Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks (142)
6. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics (86)
7. Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves (18)
8. Domantas Sabonis, Sacramento Kings (3)
9. Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns (1)

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