Shai Gilgeous-Alexander qualifies for NBA awards. Could he capture another MVP, defend his Clutch Player title, and earn All-NBA First Team honors?
The Oklahoma City Thunder's 139-96 beat down of the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night at The Paycom Center had no shortage of storylines and subplots.
The MVP showdown between Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luka Doncic. The measuring stick game for the red hot Lakers. The eventual complete domination by the Thunder. The very unfortunate regular season-ending hamstring injury to Doncic. But one important season plot point flew a bit under the radar in the aftermath of OKC's blowout and Doncic's health concerns.
Gilgeous-Alexander reached the minimum number of 65 games played requirement to qualify for awards eligibility.
The new rule has become a bit of a controversial one as some of the league's top performers this season will not qualify for any NBA honors. Cade Cunningham was a First Team All-NBA candidate and the Detroit Pistons star will no longer be eligible. Anthony Edwards was a Second Team All-NBA and Clutch Player of the Year candidate and will no longer be eligible. Doncic was a First Team All-NBA and MVP candidate and will miss the minimum by one game.
Looking back to when Gilgeous-Alexander was diagnosed with an abdominal strain, there was some serious concern amongst Thunder fans that the reigning MVP wouldn't have the opportunity to go back to back. Fortunately, any worry was all for naught.
Now that the Oklahoma City superstar is officially eligible, what honors is he likely to add to his ever growing trophy case?
1. All-NBA First Team. This one is locked and loaded. Go ahead and etch it into stone or whatever is the 2026 digital version of etching into stone. This will mark Gilgeous-Alexander's fourth consecutive season to be named All-NBA First Team. That matches the longest streaks from Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Charles Barkley, David Robinson and Jayson Tatum.
2. Clutch Player of the Year. While not a definite lock, this one is pretty close. Gilgeous-Alexander is leading the NBA in clutch scoring, field goals made and plus minus. All of that despite sitting out 23 4th quarters on the season and ranking 18th overall in clutch minutes played. Also helps that he hasn't missed a clutch shot since the Polk administration, give or take.
3. Most Valuable Player. Let's be honest, this is the one everyone clicked on this RoundTable entry to read about in the first place. Will Gilgeous-Alexander join only 13 other players in NBA history and become a back to back MVP? According to the betting odds and the latest ESPN straw poll, it's likely. If San Antonio catches Oklahoma City, it becomes a bit more dicey but leaning towards probable. If OKC finishes with the #1 seed in the West, it's a lock.