As Shai Gilgeous-Alexander claims back-to-back MVP honors, the stage is set for a high-stakes Western Conference Finals showdown against San Antonio’s rising superstar, Victor Wembanyama.
If Victor Wembanyama wants to prove that he's better than Shai Gilgeous-Alexander?
It seems he'll have to do that on the court.
"SGA'' and the Oklahoma City Thunder are preparing to square off against Wemby and San Antonio Spurs in a Western Conference Finals matchup set to begin Monday night in OKC.
But as the appetizer before the main course, Sunday night is slated to see the MVP award officially announced.
But the info has been leaked.
And after winning the MVP award and leading Oklahoma City to a Finals victory last year, Gilgeous-Alexander is, it seems, following that up with another MVP trophy.
Shams Charania writes on Sunday morning: "Breaking: Oklahoma City Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has won his second consecutive NBA Most Valuable Player award, becoming the 14th player in league history to win back-to-back MVPs, multiple sources tell ESPN.''
There is, of course, no argument against Gilgeous-Alexander. He may be the most dangerous offensive player in the league (he averages 32.7 points per game last year and 31.1 per this year) and he is the best player on what might be the best team in the league.
Still, he surely faced stiff voting competition from Wemby and from Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets.
Next up? After dueling at the ballot box, Gilgeous-Alexander and Wemby will now do the same on the floor in this best-of-seven WCF Playoffs.
