Fri May 23 02:30:00 UTC 2025: **News Article:**

**Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Named NBA MVP, Joins Steve Nash as Only Canadian Winners**

OKLAHOMA CITY – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder has been named the NBA’s Most Valuable Player for the 2023-2024 season, becoming only the second Canadian player to ever receive the prestigious award. He received 71 of 100 possible first-place votes. The Thunder guard edged out Nikola Jokić and Giannis Antetokounmpo for the honor.

The announcement was met with pride by Steve Nash, who won back-to-back MVP awards in 2005 and 2006. Nash, who until now stood alone as the sole Canadian MVP, hailed Gilgeous-Alexander as an inspiration and “probably my favorite player to watch.” Gilgeous-Alexander acknowledged Nash as a pivotal figure in his basketball journey. “He set the foundation,” Gilgeous-Alexander said of Nash. “He was the first Canadian basketball player I knew of.”

Gilgeous-Alexander, the NBA’s scoring champion, led the Thunder to a league-best 68-14 record and an NBA record for point differential. The 25 year-old star will formally receive the award Thursday night before the Thunder host the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals.

Gilgeous-Alexander also plays a crucial role for the Canadian national team, leading them to a bronze medal at the 2023 World Cup and securing their spot in the 2024 Paris Olympics. This marks the 7th straight year and 13th time overall that an international player has won the NBA’s top individual honor.

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