The precise moment when the Kia Race to the MVP got real was last Sunday when Shai Gilgeous-Alexander swatted away a layup attempt by Jayson Tatum, another Kia MVP contender, in the tense fourth-quarter moments of Oklahoma City vs. Boston.

If Shai Gilgeous-Alexander means what he says, the NBA won’t have much choice but to reinsert itself in cities like Cleveland and Oklahoma City.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault credited Cavs’ Jarrett Allen for his dominating performance leading Donovan Mitchell and the team in Wednesday’s loss. Following one of the more entertaining games between two small-market teams, a reporter asked Gilgeous-Alexander about its significance.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a minus-odds favorite to win NBA MVP despite Nikola Jokić's outstanding numbers so far this season.

The NBA writer responsible for the MVP Ladder recently commented on why Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder is not at the top of his list.

Here are the USA TODAY Sports NBA power rankings at the turn of the calendar, with resolutions each team should carry into 2025.

Jalen Williams expressed a similar sentiment. The NBA has failed to showcase the Thunder but that falls on the league's lack of long-term thinking. Considering the title contender is in the early stages of a championship window, expect OKC to be a mainstay for the foreseeable future.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander opened up about his deep connection to the Oklahoma City Thunder, emphasizing that his commitment to the franchise extends beyond financial incentives. In a clash of conference leaders,

I can't see a world where I'm not in Oklahoma City," Gilgeous-Alexander said. "Market, no market. I don't care. I'm comfortable where I am. I love where I