NBA world erupts over Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s game vs Nuggets originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Two of the NBA’s top MVP candidates went toe-to-toe on Monday night.
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic traded 30-point outings, with the former’s team finding the edge in the end.
Gilgeous-Alexander checked in for 39 minutes. He shot 14-21 from the field, 3-7 from deep, and hit on all four of his free throws. The superstar guard produced 35 points.
Beyond his scoring, Gilgeous-Alexander put up a double-double as he added 15 assists to his line. He was one rebound shy of a double-double. Considering the game went down to the wire with the Thunder coming out on top, SGA received plenty of praise for being the one to will his team to victory.
NBA World Reacts to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander vs Nikola Jokic
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander IMAGN 02252026
Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
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via @TheDunkCentral: 15 assists with ZERO turnovers
35 points on 67% shooting with only 4 free throws
Game-winning three vs. a fellow MVP candidate
Take a bow, SGA. Legendary. 👏
@TheHoopCentral: SGA IS A PROBLEM — ELITE SHOT MAKING FROM THE MVP. 🔥
@ClutchPoints: CLUTCH! Shai Gilgeous-Alexander hits the three to put the Thunder up by 4 points with 13 seconds left 🎯
@okcthunder: SHAI GILGEOUS-ALEXANDER. ARE YOU KIDDING ME⁉️
@big_business_: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander the best player in the world but you knew that already
@bettercallnaito: shai gilgeous-alexander wins the battle of the best in the world vs Jokic
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@F_rederec_k: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with the cold celly
@8STJ8: I hope people realize they’re looking at a top 3 guard ever in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander when it’s all said and done
On the other side, Jokic finished the game with 40 minutes played.
The veteran center accounted for 32 points on 12-19 shooting, and made three of his six shots from beyond the arc. He completed a triple-double with 13 assists and 14 rebounds.
Both players are walking a tight rope when it comes to MVP availability as they missed a chunk of games due to injuries. But as long as they stay healthy, SGA and Jokic are likely to remain out in front, battling each other for the award.
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This year, SGA is averaging 31.6 points, 6.4 assists, and 4.4 rebounds, while shooting 54% from the field and 38% from three.
The Thunder remain first in the Western Conference with a 51-15 lead. They will take on the Boston Celtics next on Thursday night.