Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic engaged in a fierce scrap during Monday night's NBA action. The two stars are considered the best players in the league and are at the top of the KIA MVP Race. However, it was Gilgeous-Alexander's Oklahoma City Thunder who sealed the 129-126 win over the Denver Nuggets.
Every time the two teams play, it always ends up being an intense competition. Their game tonight was more of the same as the two MVP candidates went blow for blow. At the latter part of the fourth quarter, SGA knocked down a crucial 3-pointer to give the defending champions the 126-122 lead.
On the other end, Jokic stepped up and shot a 3-pointer. Jaylin Williams was called for the foul on Jamal Murray on the floor, and the Nuggets had a four-point play. Back with the Thunder, SGA made the defense pay with a stepback shot from downtown to give the team the victory.
Jalen Williams Campaigns for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's MVP Case
© Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
After his clutch basket from deep, his co-star Jalen Williams campaigned for him to win the MVP award on X.
"MVP. Don’t think too hard !!! #watchthegames," Williams posted.
Williams did not play against the Nuggets, as he's recovering from a right hamstring strain. The Thunder have no timetable for his potential return. However, his absence gave a chance for others to step up.
Ajay Mitchell, who came off the bench, finished with 24 points on 56.3% shooting. Jared McCain also had a productive night against Denver. He had 13 points on 60.0% shooting from deep.
But the hero was SGA, who led the team with 35 points, nine rebounds, 15 assists and no turnovers. Although he was one rebound away from a triple-double, it was still a special night for the reigning MVP. The Canadian star became the second player to have a stat line of 35 points, 15 assists and 0 turnovers. The other player to do so is LeBron James when he was with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2018, according to StatMuse.
Additionally, he reached another career milestone with his scoring. As he reached the 20-point mark against Denver, he tied former NBA star Wilt Chamberlain for the most consecutive games with at least 20 points. Both star players now have 126 games played with the scoring streak. He can take over the No. 1 spot before the 2025-26 season ends.
