Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's second consecutive NBA MVP season has drawn comparisons to some of the greatest players in basketball history. The Hamilton native joined elite company by winning the league's most prestigious individual award again, placing him alongside legends like Michael Jordan, Stephen Curry, and Steve Nash.
Surpassing Michael Jordan
Gilgeous-Alexander eclipsed a Michael Jordan record that had stood since 1991. He achieved the highest field goal percentage by a guard in a season averaging at least 30 points per game, shooting 55.3% on 31.4 points per game. Jordan's mark was 53.9% on 31.5 points per game during his first championship season with the Chicago Bulls. Additionally, Gilgeous-Alexander joined Jordan as the only guards to average at least 30 points and shoot at least 50% in four seasons.
Matching Wilt Chamberlain
Gilgeous-Alexander matched Wilt Chamberlain by scoring at least 20 points in every game of the season, breaking Chamberlain's 63-year-old record for consecutive games with 20-plus points. He also averaged far more assists per game than Chamberlain during that stretch.
Following Stephen Curry
Gilgeous-Alexander became the first guard to repeat as MVP since Stephen Curry did it. He posted a 66.5% true shooting percentage, the second-highest ever by a player averaging at least 30 points and the highest since Curry's 2015-16 campaign.
Steve Nash Connection
Fellow Canadian Steve Nash announced the award on live television, marking a full-circle moment for Gilgeous-Alexander. Nash had told him early in his career that he would make the NBA. Gilgeous-Alexander said, "He instilled confidence in me at a young age... It was just pretty special."
International Dominance
Gilgeous-Alexander is the eighth straight non-American MVP, dating back to James Harden in 2019. International players have finished first and second in voting for six consecutive years. With Nikola Jokic still dominant and Victor Wembanyama emerging, the trend may continue.
