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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Wins Second MVP, Clutch Player

5/18/2026

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Summary

Gilgeous-Alexander MVP

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder won the NBA MVP on May 17 2026, his second consecutive award.
He earned 83 of 100 first-place votes, won Clutch Player of the Year with 96 of 100 votes, and extended an eight-year streak of non-U.S.–born MVPs.
He averaged 31.1 points on 55.3% shooting with 6.6 assists, posting the highest guard field-goal percentage for a 30-plus-point scorer and a 140-game 20-point streak.

Summary

Gilgeous-Alexander Day

Mayor David Holt proclaimed May 17 Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Day in Oklahoma City.
Thunder chairman Clay Bennett and GM Sam Presti sat with Gilgeous-Alexander’s wife Hailey and son Ares.
He gave teammates Burberry trench coats and Audemars Piguet watches and praised his family, owners and city.
His last name ties for the league’s longest on a jersey.
After being cut from his Hamilton high-school sophomore team, he worked harder.

History

Historical Context

The NBA’s recent MVP for an international player mirrors the breakthrough when Nigeria-born Hakeem Olajuwon won the league MVP in 1994, becoming the first foreign-born recipient and guiding the Houston Rockets to a 58-24 regular-season record and the franchise’s first championship; he also earned Defensive Player of the Year and Finals MVP, cementing a legacy of global talent influencing today’s league.

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Gilgeous-Alexander MVP

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder won the NBA MVP on May 17 2026, his second consecutive award.
He earned 83 of 100 first-place votes, won Clutch Player of the Year with 96 of 100 votes, and extended an eight-year streak of non-U.S.–born MVPs.
He averaged 31.1 points on 55.3% shooting with 6.6 assists, posting the highest guard field-goal percentage for a 30-plus-point scorer and a 140-game 20-point streak.

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