Thunder stars shine as Holmgren dominates defensively and Gilgeous-Alexander ignites offensively, hinting at major MVP and DPOY bids.
The Oklahoma City Thunder added a couple more awards to their ever expanding trophy case on Friday.
First, the NBA announced that Chet Holmgren had been named the Western Conference Defensive Player of the Month for December. Just a bit later in the afternoon, the league announced that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was selected as the Western Conference Player of the Month for December. The two monthly honors could very well be a sneak preview of bigger awards to come for both Thunder players.
Holmgren averaged 2.0 blocks per game in December, the second best mark in the West. The 7'1" power forward/center ranked #7 in the conference with 8.5 contested shots per game. Oklahoma City held the #1 defensive rating in the West with Holmgren as the anchor in the middle.
"We're a different team when he's at his best," Gilgeous-Alexander said of Holmgren after OKC's dominant win over the Golden State Warriors on Friday night. "When he's at his best, we're at our best. It's clear as day."
This now makes the Thunder a perfect two for two in claiming the Western Conference Player of the Month trophy to open the season. In addition to Holmgren's December win, standout perimeter defender Cason Wallace was selected as the October/November recipient. Wallace is currently leading the NBA in steals.
Gilgeous-Alexander scored 31.4 points per game in December, the best mark in the West. The reigning MVP's shooting splits for the month were a scorching 59.4% from the field, 43.6% from deep and 88.2% from the free throw line. He averaged 4.6 rebounds, 6.1 assists and 1.7 steals while leading OKC to a 9-4 record.
While OKC's superstar point guard surely appreciated the recognition, the monthly award wasn't even the top honor bestowed upon him that day. Earlier on Friday morning, Sports Illustrated announced Gilgeous-Alexander as their 2025 Sportsman of the Year.
The December honors could end up foreshadowing arguably the NBA's two biggest regular season individual awards. Gilgeous-Alexander is the current betting favorite to win Most Valuable Player. Holmgren is the current betting favorite to win Defensive Player of the Year.
Oklahoma City is loaded with young talent that is primed to collect a plethora of individual awards and trophies during this era's run. And all that individual ability ultimately adds up to a whole that has a chance every season to collect the ultimate team award. The one that's award not monthly, but every year in June.