Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Oklahoma City Thunder will face the Cleveland Cavaliers for an exciting matchup. The January 16 game promises to be an exciting clash between two of the top teams in their respective conferences. With the Thunder leading the Western Conference at 33-6 and the Cavaliers topping the East at 34-5, fans can expect a competitive game.
Gilgeous-Alexander is fit for the game and listed in the probable starting lineup of Oklahoma. In terms of injuries, the Thunder will miss Ajay Mitchell due to a toe injury, and Chet Holmgren is out with a hip injury. The Cavaliers, on the other hand, have a healthier lineup, adding to their advantage.
As the game approaches, the outcome may hinge on the performance of the MVP candidates Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for OKC and Donovan Mitchell for Cleveland. If the Thunder can effectively manage their rebounding and contain the Cavaliers’ shooting, they could take revenge for their earlier defeat in the season series. However, if Cleveland’s offense clicks as it has been, they may secure a victory on the road.
The product of consistency 🤌
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) January 15, 2025
Vote Shai 🗳️ https://t.co/2FFNkzy5oU pic.twitter.com/0OjpzPu352
Shai is coming off a standout performance in the Thunder’s 118-102 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. Gilgeous scored 32 points in the game. He entered the game tied for the NBA scoring lead with an average of 31.4 points per game and exceeded that average with crucial late-game free throws. His scoring prowess was instrumental in the Thunder building a substantial 21-point lead, and they have now won 18 of their last 19 games.
Also Read: Thunder Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Drops Giant Truth Bomb On His MVP Chances This Season
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Is Leading The MVP Race
If Shai does not get the award this season despite his MVP-level performances, it could not be any worse for him. Gilgeous-Alexander is truly lighting it up this season and making a strong case for the NBA’s Most Valuable Player award. The way he effortlessly drops 30 points a game feels almost routine at this point, as if he’s just out there enjoying the game.
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He’s currently leading the league with an impressive 31.4 points per game and has tallied up a staggering 1,192 points so far. It’s no wonder he’s a highlight-machine, racking up an incredible 22 games with 30-plus points! His phenomenal play has been a key factor in the Oklahoma City Thunder rising to the top of the Western Conference. During a record-setting 15-game winning streak, they took down powerhouse teams like the Celtics, Knicks, and Rockets.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander STAYS NUMBER 1 as Karl Anthony Towns enters the TOP 3 on the NBA MVP tracker 👀📈 pic.twitter.com/ywlwFhAMhU
— Basketball Forever (@bballforever_) January 13, 2025
As Anthony Edwards put it, trying to guard him one-on-one often feels futile; he’s just that good. Yet, despite all the buzz and that standout individual brilliance, Gilgeous-Alexander stays refreshingly grounded. He knows the MVP race isn’t a done deal yet.
“MVPs are never won after 40 games. 40 more of these, and yeah, sure,” SGA said.
With a real shot at both the scoring title and leading his team towards the top playoff seed, it’s exciting to see what’s next for him. Sure, names like Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo are also in the conversation, but Gilgeous-Alexander is definitely the crowd favorite.
